Song Description
This song (in its 1923 version) can be found on page 610, the very last song from American Ballads & Folk Songs (1934) compiled by John A. Lowman from older compilations by others all the way back to 1820. Originally entitled: When my blood runs chilly and col, it takes pride of place after Swing Low Sweet Chariot and This Train, but did not enjoy lasting popularity, probably due to its title and largely Spiritual rather than Religious context.
Totally different, sexless and timeless, this is the song of a suffering soul who has lost everything it has ever loved, and is now has gotta go. And it finally explained the expression "Doo Jesus!" to me. This is the 1820 southern pronunciation of "Dear Jesus". It took me several months to be able to play this song without breaking down, as my own soul is in perfect harmony with the unknown soul who originally started this song. May its simple and soulful message touch your soul, and bring you closer to the Light and Love that is God's Word.
| Song Length |
4:31 |
Genre |
Folk - Religious, Folk - Traditional |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Distressed, Poignant |
Subject |
Slavery, Spirituality |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
Away Beyond the Moon
(Originally entitled: When my blood runs chill and col')
When my blood run chill and cold
I gotta go, I gotta go
When my blood run chill and cold, I gotta go
When my blood run chill and cold
I gotta go, I gotta go
Away beyond the moon
All this hardship, pain and woe
Don't wanna know, don't wanna know
All this hardship, pain and woe, I don't wanna know
All this hardship, pain and woe
Don't wanna know, don't wanna know
Away beyond the moon
Refrain:
Do Lord, do Lord, do you remember me?
Do Lord, do Lord, do you remember me?
Oh do Lord, do Lord, will you remember me?
Away beyond the moon
I hear the folks that's done and gone
Calling me home, calling me home
I hear the folks that's done and gone calling me home
I hear the folks that's done and gone
Calling me home, calling me home
Away beyond the moon
They say you can't bear no cross
Can't wear no wings, can't wear no wings
They say you can't bear no cross, you can't wear no wings
They say you can't bear no cross
Can't wear no wings, can't wear no wings
Away beyond the moon
Refrain:
When my blood run chill and cold
I gotta go, I gotta go
When my blood run chill and cold, I gotta go
Traditional Spiritual Circa 1800
Updated 2015 Nick Fuse