2667. Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down (Traditional American)

Описание: This traditional American gospel song is attributed to Claude Ely (1922-1978) of Virginia, who claimed to have composed it while sick with tuberculosis in 1934 when he was twelve years old. It was originally recorded by Bozie Sturdivant in 1941 in a slow Appalachian gospel style and in 1946-7 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe with barrelhouse piano. Ely himself recorded it in 1953. It has been widely recorded, some notable renditions being by Johnny Cash on his posthumous album "American VI: Ain't No Grave" and a recording by Harry Dean Stanton featured in the 1967 film, "Cool Hand Luke".

Other artists who have recorded this song include Russ Taff (1989), Crooked Still (2006) and Tom Jones (2015), but the version I first heard, and which has probably influenced my own way of singing it, is by Odetta on her 1960 album recorded live at Carnegie Hall.

Lyrics and chords:
C ........................... G7 ................. C
Ain't no grave can hold my body down.
............................... C7 ................. C
Ain't no grave can hold my body down, my body down.
............................................................ F .............................. C
When the first trumpet sound, I'll be getting' up, walkin' round.
............................... G7 ................. C
Ain't no grave can hold my body down.


Well, I heard of a beautiful city and it's streets was paved with gold.

Though I have not been to heaven, O Lord, I've been told
............................................................ F .......................................... C
When I ride that throne of grace He's going to appoint my soul a place.
............................... G7 ................. C
Ain't no grave can hold my body down.

When Jesus hanging on the cross, well, it made poor Mary moan.
He looked down on his disciples, said, “Take my mother home.”
Ain't it a pity how they crucified his name.
Ain't it a pity and ain't it a shame.

Well, look down yonder Gabriel, put your feet on the land and sea,
But Gabriel don't blow your trumpet until you hear from me.
Well, I'm goin' to the river of Jordan, bury my knees down in the sand.
Gonna holler, “High Old Hannah” till I reach that promised land.

Well, I looked way over Jordan, seen people dressed in white.
I know they was God's people 'cause I seen them doin' right.
Well, I looked way down the river, what do you think I see?
I see a band of angels and they're coming after me.

You can take me out to the graveyard, lay this body down,
But on that first resurrection morning, I'm coming up out of the ground.
Well, meet me Jesus, meet me. Meet me in the middle of the air
And if these wings don't fail me I will meet you anywhere.

You can see a playlist of my gospel songs here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list...

Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found on my new website: https://raymondsfolkpage.wordpress.com