Wade in the Water

“Wade in the water
Wade in the water, children
Wade in the water
God's gonna trouble the water”

“Wade in the Water” is an African-American spiritual traditionally sung by enslaved peoples on plantations. Like other songs in this genre, its lyrics reference Biblical events, which are used as parallel, comparison experiences to slavery. The song is often associated with the Underground Railroad, with a hidden message for escaping slaves to travel across water to hide their scent, although this may be a myth. These lyrics were used to uplift spirits and encourage resilience during slavery. Ultimately, “Wade in the Water” is a song about enduring hardship and maintaining strength and faith in the face of injustice.

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