Folk Songs of the American Negro (No. 1) ‎#38

38. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray

Chorus:
And I couldn't hear nobody pray; (O Lord!)
And I couldn't hear nobody pray,
O way down yonder by myself
And I couldn't hear nobody pray.

1 In the valley!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
On my knees!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray.
With my burden!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
And my Saviour!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray.
O Lord! [Refrain]

2 Chilly waters!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
In the Jordan!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
Crossing over!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
Into Canaan!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray.
O Lord! [Refrain]

3 Hallelujah!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
Troubles over!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
In the kingdom!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray,
With my Jesus!
A-couldn't hear nobody pray.
o Lord! [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: In the valley!
• Title: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
• Refrain First Line: And I couldn't hear nobody pray
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1907
• Notes: Sing stanza 3 exceedingly slow, about half as fast as the others, and the chorus very soft, but go into the refrain a tempo.

Tune Information

• Name: [In the valley]
• Key: F Major