Read the song lyrics.

Go Down, Moses

"Go Down Moses" is a negro spiritual that references the Old Testament and the events of Exodus.



Go down, Moses,

Way down in Egypt land

Tell old Pharaoh

To let my people go.



When Israel was in Egypt land

Let my people go

Oppressed so hard they could not stand

Let my people go.



Go down, Moses,

Way down in Egypt land

Tell old Pharaoh

“Let my people go.”



“Thus saith the Lord,” bold Moses said,

“Let my people go;

If not I’ll smite your first-born dead,

Let my people go.”



Go down, Moses,

Way down in Egypt land,

Tell old Pharaoh

“Let my people go!”



Moses: Biblical figure who led the enslaved Israelites out of bondage in Egypt

pharaoh: ancient Egyptian ruler

smite: strike
Which part of the song most emphasizes its singers’ demand for freedom?

the title and first line “Go Down, Moses”

the repetition of the line “Let my people go”

the reference to Israel being in Egypt's land

the description of the Israelites being oppressed "so hard they could not stand"