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About the song and numbered notes. You can find the notes below the description.
Dive into the soulful melodies of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” a timeless piece that not only stands as a pivotal spiritual but also embodies a rich tapestry of history and emotion. Composed by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw freedman in the old Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the mid-19th century, this song transcends mere musical notes to encapsulate the profound longing for freedom and release from suffering. The lyrics, steeped in metaphorical imagery, speak of an overwhelming desire for liberation, with the “chariot” serving as a symbolic vessel to carry the soul to a place of solace and peace. This makes it not just a song but a historical narrative, capturing the essence of hope and the unyielding spirit of a people yearning for a better life. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” has since been adopted as an anthem of sorts, resonating across generations and cultures, further immortalized by its induction into the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
For those embarking on their musical journey, learning to play “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” using the play-by-number method offers an accessible and rewarding entry point. Our piano learning book for adults and kids alike introduces this song through an innovative approach using numbered notes and keyboard stickers, making it easy for beginners to navigate the keyboard and immerse themselves in the music without the need to master traditional notation first. This approach, detailed in our easy piano songbook and keyboard songbook for beginners, is designed to foster an immediate connection with the music, allowing players of all ages to experience the joy of making music from the get-go. Whether you’re a young learner or an adult taking your first piano lessons, the inclusion of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” in our piano songbook with numbers provides a means to not only learn a piece of profound musical heritage but also to engage with its rich historical and cultural significance, making your learning experience both educational and deeply moving.
Some of the notes on our website contain the full version of the song, and some are excerpts, or for example the very beginning, chorus or verse, etc. Full versions of all the notes can be found in our books and e-books: SHOP.
