Text of the Poem 

Go down, Moses
’Way down in Egypt land,
Tell ole Pharaoh,
To let my people go.

When Israel was in Egypt’s land;     5
Let my people go,
Oppressed so hard they could not stand,
Let my people go.
“Thus spoke the Lord,” bold Moses said;

Let my people go,     10
If not I’ll smite your first born dead,
Let my people go.

Footnotes

  1. "Go Down, Moses" is typically sung as a spiritual, with a call-and-response structure.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor

  2. The refrain "Let my people go" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the urgency and fervent plea for freedom.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor

  3. The song alludes to the biblical story of Exodus, where Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This biblical narrative serves as a powerful symbol of liberation and freedom for enslaved people.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor