Steal Away to Jesus

This Afro-American spiritual was written by Chocktaw freed-man Wallace Willis, sometime before 1852.  As with many songs from this era, it's origins are complex. Wikipedia has more information about its origins.

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Examples

1947 TV show recording, duet with piano:

Classic band version:

Choir with organ:

Single voice with piano - good for learning the basic tune:

Lyrics

Refrain:
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus!
Steal away, steal away home,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

My Lord, He calls me,
He calls me by the thunder;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

Green trees are bending,
Poor sinners stand a-trembling;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

My Lord, He calls me,
He calls me by the lightning;
The trumpet sounds within my soul,
I ain’t got long to stay here.

See more ...

• Songs about dying
• Spirituals