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As history is told, this song began as a spiritual among African slaves in the United States. The lyrics reminded singers that they would finally be safe and welcome in heaven. But the song changed when it was adopted as a civil rights anthem, adding verses about moving into resistance and action. The song evolves as every generation adds verses and casts off old ones. In the Occupy era, verses about resistance seem especially sweet and strong.

Singing this song at seders now is a reminder of the long journey and evolution of movements, and of the African and Black roots of resistance to oppressers who still hold enormous power.

Chorus:

Oh Mary, don't you weep, don't you mourn

Oh Mary, don't you weep, don't you mourn.

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary don't you weep.

If I could I surely would

Stand on the rock where Moses stood.

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary, don't you weep.

Chorus

God gave Moses the rainbow sign

No more water, but fire next time!

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary, don't you weep.

Chorus

Just when I thought that all was lost

The dungeon shook and my chains fell off.

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary, don't you weep.

Chorus

One day soon in the middle of the night

We’re gonna rise up and set things right

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary, don't you weep.

Chorus

It was Moses who first proved the notion

We’re all safer with the army in the ocean

Pharoah's army got drownded! Oh Mary, don't you weep.

Chorus