Performed by the University of Pretoria Camerata, conducted by Dr. Michael Barrett.
Over the course of 250 years, countless enslaved people found freedom through the coded messages in spirituals like these used in the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of escape routes that enslaved people used to escape to free states and Canada. This rendition by Moses Hogan is fiery with rhythm and instills a subtle beating in your heart as you listen to it. Although the original author of the words to this piece is unknown, it is a piece that reflects the true life and times of those living under slavery. May it remind us daily of a freedom
that exists now because of the sacrifice of those who came before:
Oh Elijah, oh Elijah
Oh (Elijah rock) Elijah (Ooooh)
Oh (Elijah rock) (Elijah rock) (Ooooh)
Come on sister help me to pray tell me my Lord don't pass this way
Elijah rock, Elijah rock
Elijah rock oh, Elijah rock Elijah
(Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up loudy, Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up the Lord)
Elijah rock, Elijah rock
Elijah rock oh, Elijah rock Elijah
(Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up loudy, Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up the Lord)
Elijah (Satan nothin' but a)
Snake in the grass
He's a conjour, he's a liar
Halleluya Lord
Elijah rock, Elijah rock
Elijah rock oh, Elijah rock Elijah
(Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up loudy, Elijah rock shout shout, Elijah rock coming up the Lord)
Elijah rock
(If I could I surely would)
Elijah rock
(Stand on the rock where Moses stood)
Elijah rock
(If I could I surely would)
Elijah rock
(Stand on the rock where Moses stood)
Music video by Samantha Dolman and Ruben Uitenweerde from Open Window Insitute: School of Film Arts. Contact them:
Samantha Dolman: sam@folkloreproductions.co.za
Ruben Uitenweerde: Rubenfolkloreproductions.co.za