We Shall Walk Through the Valley (in peace)

This is an American (possibly Afro-American) spiritual, which is at least partially inspired by Psalm 23.

The author is unknown.

It was included in The Story of the Jubilee Singers; With Their Songs by J.T.B. Marsh, which was first published in 1880. Based on this, it is assumed that the hymn is now in the public domain.

With meter 9.9.10.9, the words are almost alway set to a tune, composer also unknown, which is sometimes called PEACEFUL VALLEY. A great many choral settings have also been published - the most popular one recently is by Moses Hogan.

The song is popular for funerals and memorial services.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

SATB choir arrangement by Moses Hogan

Examples

Choral arrangement, accapella:

Choral arrangement - original words:

Lyrics

We shall walk through the valley and the shadow of death,
We shall walk through the valley in peace,
If Jesus Himself shall be our leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.

We shall meet those Christians(*) there,
We shall meet those Christians there.
If Jesus Himself shall be our leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.

(*) originally "our brother" There will be no sorrow there,
There will be no sorrow there,
If Jesus Himself shall be our leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.