Go Down Moses is an African-American spiritual, or what was commonly classed as a Negro spiritual. It is one of the more popular songs of that genre and probably emerged long before the date of 1865 given in the headnote. Like most other African-American spirituals, it was the product of slaves living in pre-Civil War southern United States. The text of this song, unlike most spirituals, has an openly anti-slavery message: Moses is called upon in the refrain to go "Way down to Egypt's Land; Tell ol' Pharoah, Let my people go." Moreover, the other numerous verses raise the subject of bondage and slavery and call for freedom. The melody to Go Down Moses has a mournful character, conveying a dark sense, almost as if there were little hope of achieving the freedom called for in the text. It is a striking creation, memorable after a single hearing, especially its closing portion—five mostly ascending notes sung to the words, "Let my People go." There is a certain amount of repetition in the vocal line, although the melody varies on its second appearance each time, but closing with those same haunting five notes. This song will surely appeal to enthusiasts of folk music and African-American spirituals.

© Robert Cummings, Rovi