Swing Low Sweet Chariot
(With Gestures)
Lyric | Gesture
Sing low Hand clasped and fingers
interlocked motion with arms
sweet kiss fingers and blow kiss
chariot snapping invisible reins and shaky
voice as if riding in a chariot
Comin' simulated masturbation
for hold up four fingers
to hold up two fingers
carry cradle arms as if carrying baby
me point to self
home make arc over head with arms
[ Repeat the above lyrics and gestures]
Lyric | Gesture
I point finger to the chest
(some people point to eye)
looked shade eyes with hand
over sweeping motion with hand in an
arc.
Jordan make waving motion with hand (perhaps
international river or water sign)
and what make inquisitive posture by having arms
up and palms up
did I Point finger to the chest (some
people point to eye)
see shade eyes with hand (or using
making as if looking through binoculars)
Lyric | Gesture
Comin' simulated masturbation
for hold up four fingers
to hold up two fingers
carry cradle arms as if carrying baby
me point finger to the chest
home make arc over head with arms
Lyric | Gesture
A band play "air" trombone
of angles place thumbs in armpits and flap
arms
comin' simulated masturbation
after [No Gesture]
me point finger to the chest
Lyric | Gesture
Comin' simulated masturbation
for hold up four fingers
to hold up two fingers
carry cradle arms as if carrying baby
me point finger to the chest
home make arc over head with arms
Lyric | Gesture
If [No Gesture]
you point to someone else
get there point somewhere
before hold up four fingers
I point to self (some
people point to eye)
do [No Gesture]
Lyric | Gesture
Comin' simulated masturbation
for hold up four fingers
to hold up two fingers
carry cradle arms as if carrying baby
me point finger to the chest
home make arc over head with arms
Lyric | Gesture
Tell cup hands around
mouth as if shouting
all sweeping motion with arm
my point to self
friends simulated hugging someone
I'm point finger to the chest (some
people point to eye)
comin' simulated masturbation
too. hold up two fingers
Lyric | Gesture
Comin' simulated masturbation
for hold up four fingers
to hold up two fingers
carry cradle arms as if carrying baby
me point finger to the chest
home make arc over head with arms
The version above is from an anonymous US Air Force fighter pilot
who learned it while serving in Vietnam. First this song is sung
with gestures. Then it is hummed with gestures. Finally, "Swing
Low" is done silently with gestures only.
"Swing Low Sweet Chariot" is used as a drinking game among US Air
Force fighter pilots. The person who screws up the motions is
required to purchase the next round of drinks. A copy of the 26
Oct. 2004 field recording is available to interested folklorists.
. Thanks! John Patrick.