Refrain.
When I comes ter die ... I want ter be ..... ready; When
I comes ter die, ..... Gwine ter walk Jerus'lem jis like Job!
He must also intersperse his singing with peculiar humming sounds—"hum-m-m-m." He will have to learn that the negro never neglects his family relations in his songs, and seldom considers his "spirityul" finished until he has mentioned his father and mother and sister and brother, and his preacher.
A beautiful custom prevails among them of sending messages by the dying to friends gone before into heaven. When a woman dies some friend or relative will kneel down and sing to the soul as it takes its flight. This song contains endless verses, conveying love and kisses to Aunt Fannie and Uncle Cæsar and "Moss Jesus." With omissions it is used upon other occasions with fine effect.
RIDE ON, JESUS.
[[Listen]]
Lyrics:
Chorus.
Ride on, Jesus, Ride on, Jesus, Ride on, Conq'ring King; I
want to go to Heaven in de mornin'. 1. See my mudder,
Oh, yes! Tell her for me, Oh yes! Ride my hoss in de
battle ob de field, I want to go to Heaven in de mornin'!