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The Highwaymen – Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)

Michael (Row The Boat Ashore) - song and lyrics by The Highwaymen | Spotify

About the Song

The Highwaymen folk group, a prominent part of the 1960s American folk revival, brought a fresh, harmonious sound to traditional music, and one of their most celebrated hits was “Michael (Row the Boat Ashore).” Released in 1961, their rendition of this timeless African-American spiritual became a defining moment not only for the group but also for folk music of the era.

“Michael (Row the Boat Ashore)” is a song of simple beauty, carrying themes of hope, peace, and resilience. Rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Gullah people from the Sea Islands of South Carolina, the song originally served as a metaphor for crossing life’s challenges to reach a place of salvation. With its repeated refrain, “Hallelujah, Michael row the boat ashore,” the lyrics evoke both a soothing calmness and a quiet strength, as though gently carrying listeners along on the tide of its message.

The Highwaymen’s version captures the essence of the song with its pure, unembellished arrangement. Featuring soft acoustic guitars, gentle rhythms, and rich vocal harmonies, the group’s delivery creates a sense of intimacy and nostalgia. Their approach is emblematic of the 1960s folk revival movement, which sought to reconnect audiences with the roots of traditional American music while delivering messages of unity and perseverance.

This version of “Michael (Row the Boat Ashore)” resonated deeply with audiences and went on to top the Billboard charts in 1961, cementing the Highwaymen’s place in folk music history. The song’s universal message and timeless melody ensured its longevity, and it remains a beloved classic to this day, evoking both the struggles and the hopes of generations past.

For fans of traditional folk music, “Michael (Row the Boat Ashore)” serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of simple songs to tell profound stories. The Highwaymen’s rendition stands as a testament to the era’s ability to revive and celebrate music that speaks to the soul.

Bob Burnett, 71, member of original Highwaymen folk group - The Boston Globe

Video 

Lyrics: Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujahSister help to trim the sails, hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sails, hallelujah

Jordan’s River is deep and wide, hallelujah
And I’ve got a home on the other side, hallelujah

The river Jordon is chilly and cold, hallelujah
It chill the body but not the soul, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah

Michael’s boat is a music boat, hallelujah
Michael’s boat is a music boat, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah

The trumpets sound the Jubilee, hallelujah
The trumpets sound for you and me, hallelujah

Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah

 

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