Alison Krauss Performs Down to the River to Pray

Alison Krauss has one of the most amazing voices – and can play a mean fiddle too! Here Krauss performs the beautiful Gospel song Down to the River to Pray, with backing vocals from her bandmates, Union Station.

You can listen to it here:

Down to the River to Pray is characterized by its simple and plaintive melody, and focuses on themes of spiritual longing, baptism, and the desire for salvation. It is often associated with the Christian tradition and has been performed in various religious contexts, including church services and gospel music concerts.

The song became famous worldwide after Krauss’ version was included in the Coen Brothers film, “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”, but Down to the River to Pray dates as far back as 1867 when it was published in “Slave Songs of the U.S.”

Its’ popularity and timeless appeal continue to resonate with audiences, making Down to the River to Pray a beloved spiritual and folk hymn.

Down to the River to Pray

As I went down in the river to pray

Studying about that good old 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 old way

And who shall wear the robe and 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 old 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 old way

And who shall wear the robe and crown

Good Lord, show me the way