[Dixielandjazz] She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain When Se Comes

[Stephen G Barbone]

Ginny asked about the history of this song and what it refers to. With  
a little time on my hands because of some dental work which put me out  
of playing action for a few weeks, here's what I found about the song.

Carl Sandburg said in "American Songbook" 1927 that the song derives  
from an old-time Negro Spiritual, "When The Chariot Comes". According  
to him, the song spread to railroad work gangs in the midwest USA in  
the 1890s. The "She" refers to a heavenly chariot. Here are the  
lyrics: (six stanzas)

When The Chariot Comes - traditional

"O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?"
"O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?"
"O, who will drive the chariot, who will drive the chariot,"
"O, who will drive the chariot when she comes?"

"King Jesus, he'll be driver when she comes."  (repeat 3 times as above)

"She'll be loaded with bright angel when she comes." (repeat 3 timers)

"She will neither rock nor totter when she comes." (repeat 3 times)

"She will run so level and steady when she comes." (repeat 3 times)

"She will take us to the portals when she comes."


Also, according to Sandburg, this work song may well have morphed into  
that which we hear today because of Ma. Jones, an early activist, out  
to unionize the coal mines in Appalachia. She would go to the mining  
camps on the railroads which owned a lot of mines in those days. Then,  
they refused her passage because she was  disrupting their mining  
operations. So she had to find an alternate means of travel.

No doubt horses and buggy would have been one alternate along the  
mountainous roads. And what better symbolism than "White" horses which  
had  been the preferred method of travel for heroic figures since  
ancient times. So she was coming round the mountain, on a coach,  
pulled by white horses etc. For a Chicken Dinner, which on Sunday was  
THE main event in rural, poor, America and an indication of respect  
for her presence.

Ma Jones was the famous Mary Harris Jones who was deeply involved with  
the United Mine Workers at the turn of the century. In 1903 she led a  
Children's March to Teddy Roosevelt's summer home in Oyster Bay, Long  
Island to petition him to stop child labor in the mines, etc., etc.,  
etc. She was later declared the most dangerous woman in America  
because of her social activism.

BTW, Gene Autry recorded: "The Death of Mother Jones" very early in  
his career.

Today some folks are aware of the connection between this formidable  
woman and Mother Jones Magazine, which for the past 30 years, has  
highlighted social issues similar in Ma's image.

Research it further if need be Ginny, it makes for a great story when  
you play the song. However, bear in mind that neither Ma Jones, nor  
Mother Jones magazine is viewed kindly by the political right. Be  
prepared to defend its historical significance. Just a tip, not  
suggesting you shouldn't play it. It's like playing "That's Why They  
Call Me Shine" in that a little explanation goes a long way.


Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband