This a cappella arrangement was originally published in The Dett Collection of Negro Spirituals (1936). Share this impressive work with today's choirs in a carefully crafted new edition by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett. The motet-like setting features an unaltered soprano melody that appears with each iteration of the refrain. Accompanying voices are imitative, with an ascending melody to represent the singer's journey to heaven ("home over Jordan"). Publication includes brief background information to provide introductory context about R. Nathaniel Dett, a Black nationalistic composer, educator, conductor, and writer who transformed impressions of Black music during the early twentieth century. (Publisher description)

Deep river,
My home is over Jordan,
Deep river, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.

O Don’t you want to go to that gospel feast,
That promised land,
Where all is peace?
Lord, I want to cross over into campground!