This edition was prepared by Maggie Furtak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Down in the Valley to Pray
Staff Notation • Sacred, Spirituals
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Down in the Valley to Pray by Maggie Furtak — Lyrics
As I went down in the valley to pray, studyin' about that heav'nly day,
when you shall wear the starry crown, Good Lord, show me the way.
Oh, mourners, let's go down, let's go down, let's go down,
Oh, mourners, let's go down, down in the valley to pray.
As I went down in the valley to pray, studying' about that good old way,
and who shall wear the wings and crown, Good Lord, show me the way.
Oh, sisters, let's go down, hand in hand, let's go down,
Oh, sisters, let's go down, down in the valley to pray.
As I went down in the valley to pray, studying' about that good old way!
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About Down in the Valley to Pray
This arrangement of the traditional spiritual Down in the Valley to Pray invites singers to imagine themselves in a sacred space, seeking guidance and heavenly connection. The text speaks of a profound personal journey, reflecting on a 'heavenly day' and the attainment of a 'starry crown'. The call to 'let's go down' serves as an invocation for collective spiritual seeking, whether in the company of 'mourners', 'sisters', or 'brothers', all uniting in prayer. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic possibilities, enhancing the reflective and communal spirit of this powerful American spiritual.
