Down by the Riverside
Performance hints: Song leader's choice
peace core zipper 19thc justice faith sing-along folk
I’m gonna lay down my burden (clap, clap!)
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside
I’m gonna lay down my burden (clap, clap!)
Down by the riverside
I ain’t gonna study war* no more
[Chorus]
I ain’t gonna study war no more,
ain’t gonna study war no more,
ain’t gonna study war no more (2x)
[Additional verses]
I’m gonna lay down my sword and shield. . .
I'm gonna shake hands with my neighbor...
I'm gonna stand up for justice...
* follow song leader for actual chorus
Credits: African-American Spiritual
Notes: The song was popular during the American Civil War, made its way into African American churches, and then became popular again during the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s.