Wade in the Water

Traditional African-American Spiritual

“Wade in the Water” is another spiritual published by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. It references the Old Testament Bible story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt through the Red Sea. As a tool of the Underground Railroad, it was used as a coded song about escape. Fugitives sang it as a reminder to use the river for several purposes: to stay hydrated and find food (fish), and as a way to cover their scent from tracking dogs while leaving no footprints.

Our 2018 Magic Penny recipients, Dr. Kim and Reggie Harris, provide us with their a cappella version of this traditional song. We have notated the melody for you and raised it to a key more accessible to young singers.