Steal away
/stēl/ /əˈwā/
verb
To leave furtively and stealthily
The definition of the phrase “Steal Away” is to exit or escape from a person, place, or thing in a hurried pace.
Some people believe or understand this song to simply be used as a song of worship or longing to be with their god. However, it has been proven that Negro Spirituals were used to relay messages among slaves in order to reach freedom.
As you begin to dive into the lyrics of the song, I would like you to imagine the time period the song was created in, who sang the songs, and what circumstances this song was song in.
*The translation provided is a personal interpretation, and is not presented without bias. Please use the provided scholarly sources at the end of the post if translations are needed for a school or work related project.
Official Lyrics
Chorus
Steal away(2x)
Steal away to Jesus
Steal away
Steal away home
I ain’t got long to stay here
Verse 1
My Lord he calls me
He calls me by the thunder
The trumpet sounds within’ a my soul
I ain’t got long to stay here
Verse 2
Green trees a bendin’
Poor sinner stands a tremblin’
The trumpet sounds within’ a my soul
I ain’t got long to stay here
Translation
Chorus
Quickly(2x)
Quickly, let’s get to safety
Quickly
Quickly get home
There isn’t much time left
Verse 1
Our leader signals it’s time to go
He signals mightily
Freedom rings within my soul
I can’t stay in bondage much longer
Verse 2
The miracle of escape is manifesting
Master has no control, won’t be long before he’s
repenting
Freedom rings within my soul
I won’t be in bondage much longer
This particular song was used by many people who helped lead slaves to freedom. Some of those leaders consisted of Ms. Harriet Tubman and Mr. Nat Turner. Both leaders used this song as a means of gathering people who were headed to freedom and keeping them unified in their journey’s.
The wit, dedication, and success that our ancestors had were far beyond what slave owners thought slaves were capable of. Negro Spirituals show the inherit intellect and innovative spirit that African American people posses.
Harriet Tubman ase.
Nat Turner ase.
Ancestors known and unknown ase.
