tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802108553616818982.post1342311071683799260..comments2023-08-25T06:33:51.313-05:00Comments on Seward Concordia Neighborhood: The Meaning of the Song "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore"Mike Sylwesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09987402330015664312noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802108553616818982.post-72476945706102285602019-10-21T17:13:17.606-05:002019-10-21T17:13:17.606-05:00I think you got one part of you very interesting n...I think you got one part of you very interesting narrative a little confused. The imagery is so much from Daniel as it is from the Israelites crossing the Jordan River and entering the promised land of Canaan flowing with milk and honey. For the Israelites, getting on the other side Thus in Christian theology, crossing Jordan is a symbol of crossing from this life into the next of the promised land of heaven. Many Christian songs reflect this theme: "I Won't have to cross Jordan alone," "When I tread the verge of Jordan, bit my anxious fears subside," and "On Jordan stormy banks." Also, your suggestions that African-Americans would not know the association between the River Styx is at best a supposition. Many of them would have and did know of these associations. The song is a beautiful blending of Greek understanding and that of the Bible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7802108553616818982.post-37314263848836358612019-08-02T14:02:57.288-05:002019-08-02T14:02:57.288-05:00I heard this song on a SIRIUS oldies station yeste...I heard this song on a SIRIUS oldies station yesterday (08/01/2019) and cried when I listened. I first heard this song as a child and I loved it so that it made me think about naming a son (if I had one), Michael. I lived next door to a boy about my age and his name was Michael; we have been friends since the late 50's. When my 2nd son was born in 1972, I named him Michael. But, I never knew the meaning of the song or where it came from. I just knew it spoke to my heart. After hearing the song yesterday, I decided to research its roots. What a fascinating story. The tears...? The tears were because my son Michael hasn't spoken to me 1 1/2 years, nor do I see his children, my precious grandchildren. I miss them so much that I ache. Hearing the song made me recall singing the song to my son and the memories we shared. It's all in God's hands now as I have no control. I do have hope, hope springs eternal. Michael, I love you so....my heart is open and my number hasn’t changed. Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07432307395929710189noreply@blogger.com