Bessie Smith On Revival Day (a Rhythmic Spiritual)
Have you ever seen a church begin to rock?
Heard a sundown deacon preachin' to his flock?
Have you ever seen old Satan on the run?
Then follow me, see just how it's done, and have you;
Ever heard a sermon stir your soul?
Make you crave the River Jordan as you go?
have you ever felt as though you'd like to shout?
Then come on and let them feelin's out, oh Lord!
Just hear those sisters groanin',
And hear those brothers moanin',
Rippin' and antonin'
On revival day.
They talkin' to a spirit,
Just like you see and hear it;
They're sinful and they fear it
On revival day.
When that congregation starts to sing,
Nothin' in this world don't mean a thing!
Oh, glory hallelujah!
Makes you feel so peculiar,
The Devil cannot rule ya
On revival day!
Glory glory,
Hymns are purifyin',
Glory glory,
Wash my sins away!
Lawdy lawdy,
Heal just like a lion,
Lawdy lawdy,
It's reborn today!
Oh, just tell those sisters groanin'
And hear them brothers moanin',
Rippin' and anantonin'
On revival day.
Oh, they're talkin' to a spirit,
Just like you see and hear it;
They sinful and they fear it
On revival day.
When that congregation starts to sing,
Nothin' in this world don't mean a thing!
Oh, glory hallelujah!
Makes you feel so peculiar,
The Devil cannot rule ya
On revival day!