"Down To The River To Pray" is a moving song. The song is appreciated well beyond the typical listener of Christian hymns when it was included in the movie," O'Brother Where Art Thou?" And the angelic voice of  bluegrass country singer Alison Krauss takes this beautiful hymn to another level.

Alison Krauss Sings "Down To The River To Pray"

Alison Krauss is able to captivate a crowd with her stirring version of this song.

Her unique voice has won her dozens of Grammys. To the point that the "Whiskey Lullaby" singer is actually the most awarded living Grammy recipient.

Krauss has a truly signature voice that lends itself so beautifully to this spiritual song. In the video below, she sings "Down To The River To Pray" with the Berklee Gospel Ensemble.

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Simply gorgeous. This song always touches my soul. It's so very moving. Everyone in that choir felt the energy of that song. What a perfect performance.

A Timeless Hymn

The song was published in "Slave Songs Of The United States" in 1867.

"Down To The River To Pray" is a timeless hymn that I just never get tired of hearing.

It is a perfect song to celebrate Baptisms and Christian faith. The song was originally sung at outdoor baptisms, as the refrain implies.

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The lyrics to the song are below.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way!

O sisters let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sisters let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe & crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O brothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
Come on brothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O fathers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O fathers let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O mothers let's go down
Come on down, don't you wanna go down?
Come on mothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the starry crown?
Good Lord show me the way

O sinners, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sinners, let's go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good ol' way
And who shall wear the robe and crown?
Good Lord show me the way

If you liked this performance, click here to watch Alison Kraus sing "I'll Fly Away."

Share this if you are a fan of Alison Krauss and love this song!

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