Peter, Paul and Mary

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya

[Verse 2]
Someone's singing, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing, Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbayah

[Verse 3]
Someone's laughing, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's laughing, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's laughing, Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya

[Verse 4]
Someone's crying, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's crying, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's crying, Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya

[Verse 5]
Someone's praying, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's praying, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's praying, Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
[Verse 6]
Someone's sleeping, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's sleeping, Lord, kumbaya
Someone's sleeping, Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbayaEmbed

Let's take a trip down memory lane to the peaceful and harmonious sounds of "Kumbaya" by Peter, Paul and Mary. This folk classic is renowned for its message of unity and faith, spreading across the world and transcending cultural boundaries. With its gentle melody and soothing lyrics, it's a song that has stood the test of time and is still loved by many today.

About Kumbaya

The origins of the song "Kumbaya" can be traced back to the Gullah culture of the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia in the late 1800s. The word "kumbaya" is said to have derived from the phrase "Come by here, Lord", which was used as a call to prayer within the Gullah community. It was first recorded by the Library of Congress in the 1920s, and in the decades that followed, it became increasingly popular among African American communities and churches throughout the United States.

Peter, Paul and Mary's version of "Kumbaya" was released in 1963, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in America. The group, consisting of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers, was known for its politically and socially conscious folk music. It was during this time that the song took on new significance and became a symbol of hope, unity, and resistance.

The opening verse of the song, "Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya," is repeated throughout the song, with the addition of verses that call for peace, love, and understanding. The chorus, "Someone's singing, Lord, kumbaya," is a powerful reminder that even in times of struggle, we are never alone and can always turn to music as a source of comfort and hope. The song's simple but powerful message has resonated with generations of listeners and continues to inspire people to come together in the face of adversity.

Since its release, "Kumbaya" has become a staple of the folk music repertoire, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. It has also been covered by countless artists, ranging from Joan Baez to Cher. Despite its ubiquity, the song remains a beloved classic, with its message of peace, love, and unity continuing to inspire listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

In sum, "Kumbaya" is a timeless folk classic that has stood the test of time. Its message of hope and unity has resonated with people all over the world, making it a beloved favorite of folk enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

• Release Date: 1998
• Artist: Peter, Paul and Mary