The Angel Rolled The Stone Away

This is a hymn about Easter.  It is based on the events in Matthew 28:2, which describes an earthquake occurring as an angel rolls the stone that was sealing Jesus' tomb.

Almost all sources attribute it as an Afro-American spiritual, and regard the text as being in the public domain. Beyond that, no information about the song's origins has been located. Most of the recordings and performance on YouTube are by non Afro-American performers.

 There are a number of small variation of the lyrics between different versions:
  • Angel or angels
  • De / the
  • Roll / rolled

With meter 8.8.8.8.8, it is set to a tune that is called ROLL THE STONE AWAY by some sources.


Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).



Examples

Live recording in a church service:


Jazz arrangement, professional recording:


Acapella choir, professional recording:


Church choir from Kenya - unaccompanied:


Bluegrass quartet in a concert:


Lyrics

Chorus:
Oh, the angels rolled the stone away,
Oh, the angels rolled the stone away,
'Twas on that Easter Sunday morning
That the angels rolled the stone away.

Sister Mary she came running just about the break of day.
She was bringing news from heaven
That the angels rolled the stone away.
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Said the angel He is not here;
He is risen as he said,
Why seek ye the living
way down here among the dead.
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Jesus said, "Touch Me not Mary,
but go on ahead of me.
Go and tell all my disciples
to meet me in Galilee."
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Brother Thomas he came running,
And his eyes were open wide.
Jesus said, "Man, if you doubt me,
Come put your hand right in my side."
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

See more ...

No comments:

Post a Comment