Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision - Feb 25, 2026
The content of this post is presented for folkloric and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who have composed, and/or performed the examples that are featured in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
Special thanks to Brian A. Jackson, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.(Beta Chapter, Howard University, Spring 1990).
Brian A Jackson shared a number of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity songs and chants with me (via my now inactive cocojams.com cultural website) and gave me permission to post examples of Alpha Phi Alpha songs & chants on Cocojams.com. (March 2010). At that time, Brian A. Jackson was the Vice President of the Xi Nu Lambda Grad Chapter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and had been collecting Alpha Phi Alpha songs and chants over the last 20 years. Examples from this collection are indicated by the notation "Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection".
-snip-
Most of the content of this pancocojams post was published in a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Spirituals As Sources For Black Fraternity & Sororities Songs & Chants". That post had no comments and has been deleted and replaced with this post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black.html for Part I of a seven part pancocojams series of examples of historically Black Greek letter organization chants and songs.
This compilation isn't meant to be a comprehensive listing of all historically Black Greek letter organization songs and chants that are adaptations of Spirituals or Gospel songs.
This compilation only includes examples that are relatively "family friendly".
With the exception of the word "damn", any profanity that is found in these examples is given with amended spelling.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who have composed, and/or performed the examples that are featured in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
Special thanks to Brian A. Jackson, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.(Beta Chapter, Howard University, Spring 1990).
Brian A Jackson shared a number of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity songs and chants with me (via my now inactive cocojams.com cultural website) and gave me permission to post examples of Alpha Phi Alpha songs & chants on Cocojams.com. (March 2010). At that time, Brian A. Jackson was the Vice President of the Xi Nu Lambda Grad Chapter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and had been collecting Alpha Phi Alpha songs and chants over the last 20 years. Examples from this collection are indicated by the notation "Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection".
-snip-
Most of the content of this pancocojams post was published in a 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Spirituals As Sources For Black Fraternity & Sororities Songs & Chants". That post had no comments and has been deleted and replaced with this post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black.html for Part I of a seven part pancocojams series of examples of historically Black Greek letter organization chants and songs.
****
DISCLAIMERThis compilation isn't meant to be a comprehensive listing of all historically Black Greek letter organization songs and chants that are adaptations of Spirituals or Gospel songs.
This compilation only includes examples that are relatively "family friendly".
With the exception of the word "damn", any profanity that is found in these examples is given with amended spelling.
****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council for a list of the sororities and fraternities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Additional pancocojams posts on Black fraternity and sororities songs and chants can be found by clicking the tags that are found at the end of this post.
****
HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK ORGANIZATION GUIDELINES ABOUT WHO SHOULD PERFORM THESE SONGS AND CHANTS
In accordance with historically Black Greek letter organizations' traditions and guidelines, only people associated with those specific organizations should sing, chant, and perform these compositions.
****
A, B
ALPHA TRAIN (also known as "Traveling") - (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source - African American Spirituals that refer to the Gospel train such as "Get On Board, Little Children" and I'm Going Home On The Morning Train".
R&B source : The Impressions, "Keep On Pushing", 1964
BGLO Example- ALPHA TRAIN (also known as "Traveling")
Alpha train is slowly coming
To keep on pushing,
If you hurry you might get on it;
Got to keep on pushing,
Got my ticket right in my hand;
Got to keep on pushing.
Soon we'll be in Alpha land;
Got to keep on pushing,
This train we're waiting for is black and gold.
We're in love with dear old Alpha
No time for looking back...
A Phi A
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com received on 3/20/2010
****
C, D
DEEP IN MY HEART (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.)
Spiritual source for the lyrics "Deep in my heart" - the Spiritual (early African American Gospel song?) "Deep Down In My Heart"
Click http://www.authentichistory.com/1600-1859/3-spirituals/1926_Deep_Down_In_My_Heart-WM_Givens.html for a sound file of a 1926 rendition of this Spiritual (or early African American Gospel).
-snip-
"I don't know what you've been told/But the best of the colors are blue and gold" - is from the Spiritual floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/the streets of heaven are paved with gold" that is found in a number of Spirituals such as "Morning Train” (also known as “I’m Goin Home On The Morning train”) and "Ride On King Jesus".
BGLO Example: DEEP IN MY HEART
I've got Sigma to the left of me
Gamma to the right of me
Rho to the back of me
S-I-G-M-A
G-A-M-M-A
R-H-O
I don't know what you've been told
But the best of the colors are blue and gold
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
I love, love, love, love SGRho.
[repeat entire song]
-Black Greek Soundz CD; my transcription from a 1990-1999 Black Greek Soundz CD as found in the Jack Horntip Collection, used with permission.
This is probably four independent songs/chants that are performed by this sorority.
****
E, F
****
G, H
GIVE ME THAT OLD ALPHA SPIRIT (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source - "Give Me That Old Time Religion".
BGLO Example: GIVE ME THAT OLD ALPHA SPIRIT
Give me that Old Alpha Spirit
Give me that Old Alpha Spirit
Give me that oooooooold Alpha Spirit.
It's good enough for me.
It was good for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It was good for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It was gooooood for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It's good enough for me.
-Brian A Jackson; Alpha Phi Alpha collection; permission granted to post on Cocojams.com 3/20/2010
****
GO DOWN (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source- "Go Down Moses)
BGLO Example- GO DOWN
Go Down, Brother
Way down to Egypt Land
Tell the people
The light has come.
(Back in 06)
Back in 06
Many years ago
7 Black men
Couldn't take no more
They professed to have seen the light
The Light Of The World
They journeyed to
The motherland
Where they crossed
Those burning sands
Marching onward
They had to see
Just what
The end would bring
(What the end would bring)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
****
HUSH HUSH SOMEBODY'S CALLIN YOUR NAME (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Spiritual source: "Hush Hush Somebody's Callin My Name"
BGLO Example: AKA "Sweet" Mu Pi Chapter Fall 2K10 Probate
James Francis, Published on Nov 25, 2010
AKA Probate
****
I, J
i DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TOLD (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. song] Example #1
This post is part of my ongoing informal research to document and share examples of historically Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority culture. A significant portion of Black Greek letter organizations' (BGLO's) songs and chants are adaptations of Spirituals or Black Gospel songs.
Many BGLO songs and chants are composed to be performed by people who are in the process of becoming full members of a fraternity or a sorority. Those songs and chants extoll that organization and encourage people to push through until they reach their goal of becoming a full member. Most of those songs and chants also diss (insult) the other fraternities or sororities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC, colloquial known as "The Divine Nine").
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council for a list of the sororities and fraternities that are members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black.html for the first page of pancocojams' compilation entitled "Examples of Black fraternity and sorority songs and chants". That page includes links for six other pages in that compilation. Multiple example of a specific chant may be found on that page.
****
HISTORICALLY BLACK GREEK ORGANIZATION GUIDELINES ABOUT WHO SHOULD PERFORM THESE SONGS AND CHANTS
In accordance with historically Black Greek letter organizations' traditions and guidelines, only people associated with those specific organizations should sing, chant, and perform these compositions.
****
A, B
ALPHA TRAIN (also known as "Traveling") - (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source - African American Spirituals that refer to the Gospel train such as "Get On Board, Little Children" and I'm Going Home On The Morning Train".
R&B source : The Impressions, "Keep On Pushing", 1964
BGLO Example- ALPHA TRAIN (also known as "Traveling")
Alpha train is slowly coming
To keep on pushing,
If you hurry you might get on it;
Got to keep on pushing,
Got my ticket right in my hand;
Got to keep on pushing.
Soon we'll be in Alpha land;
Got to keep on pushing,
This train we're waiting for is black and gold.
We're in love with dear old Alpha
No time for looking back...
A Phi A
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com received on 3/20/2010
****
C, D
DEEP IN MY HEART (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.)
Spiritual source for the lyrics "Deep in my heart" - the Spiritual (early African American Gospel song?) "Deep Down In My Heart"
Click http://www.authentichistory.com/1600-1859/3-spirituals/1926_Deep_Down_In_My_Heart-WM_Givens.html for a sound file of a 1926 rendition of this Spiritual (or early African American Gospel).
-snip-
"I don't know what you've been told/But the best of the colors are blue and gold" - is from the Spiritual floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/the streets of heaven are paved with gold" that is found in a number of Spirituals such as "Morning Train” (also known as “I’m Goin Home On The Morning train”) and "Ride On King Jesus".
BGLO Example: DEEP IN MY HEART
I've got Sigma to the left of me
Gamma to the right of me
Rho to the back of me
S-I-G-M-A
G-A-M-M-A
R-H-O
I don't know what you've been told
But the best of the colors are blue and gold
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
Deep in my heart
I love SG...Rho
I love, love, love, love SGRho.
[repeat entire song]
-Black Greek Soundz CD; my transcription from a 1990-1999 Black Greek Soundz CD as found in the Jack Horntip Collection, used with permission.
This is probably four independent songs/chants that are performed by this sorority.
****
E, F
****
G, H
GIVE ME THAT OLD ALPHA SPIRIT (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source - "Give Me That Old Time Religion".
BGLO Example: GIVE ME THAT OLD ALPHA SPIRIT
Give me that Old Alpha Spirit
Give me that Old Alpha Spirit
Give me that oooooooold Alpha Spirit.
It's good enough for me.
It was good for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It was good for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It was gooooood for Brother [insert Jewel last name]
It's good enough for me.
-Brian A Jackson; Alpha Phi Alpha collection; permission granted to post on Cocojams.com 3/20/2010
****
GO DOWN (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Spiritual source- "Go Down Moses)
BGLO Example- GO DOWN
Go Down, Brother
Way down to Egypt Land
Tell the people
The light has come.
(Back in 06)
Back in 06
Many years ago
7 Black men
Couldn't take no more
They professed to have seen the light
The Light Of The World
They journeyed to
The motherland
Where they crossed
Those burning sands
Marching onward
They had to see
Just what
The end would bring
(What the end would bring)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
****
HUSH HUSH SOMEBODY'S CALLIN YOUR NAME (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Spiritual source: "Hush Hush Somebody's Callin My Name"
BGLO Example: AKA "Sweet" Mu Pi Chapter Fall 2K10 Probate
James Francis, Published on Nov 25, 2010
AKA Probate
****
I, J
i DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TOLD (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. song] Example #1
Spiritual source- floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/The streets of heaven are paved with gold"
BGLO Example: i don't know
what you've been told
but the REAL pretty girls
wear the blue and gold
EE-YIP
-RHOyal-Silence (Augusta, Georgia), 2/22/2001, https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=6876 "Chants"
what you've been told
but the REAL pretty girls
wear the blue and gold
EE-YIP
-RHOyal-Silence (Augusta, Georgia), 2/22/2001, https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=6876 "Chants"
****
Spiritual source- floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/The streets of heaven are paved with gold"
Spiritual source for the four lines given below beginning with "I know I've been changed" - the Spiritual entitled "I Know I've Been Changed"
BGLO Example:I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED (video) [Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. song]
Zeta Phi Beta- Long Island Tribute
Uploaded on Dec 22, 2006
A tribute to my SOOO SWEEEEET Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Long Island Undergraduate Chapters. "I'm not just a Zeta, I'm a LONG ISLAND Zeta!"
-snip-
This sound file includes a series of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. songs including that a version of that sorority's "I Know I've Been Changed" (at .19 - 1.20)
An adapted version of "I Know I've Been Changed" is often sung as part of a sorority's or fraternity's probate (program). In the context of fraternities and sororities a "probate" (noun) is a program in which new members of that organization are first introduced to other members of the organization and to the general public. Here's a comment from that Zeta Phi Beta sound file's viewer comment thread:
lover7gurl, 2011
"I Know I've Been Changed" is the song we came out on at my probate! I bleed blue and white!!! Z Phi to all of my sophisticated sorors!!!
Spr. 2010
Tre Club
Sigma Mu
Columbus, MS"
i DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TOLD (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. song] Example #2
Spiritual source- floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/The streets of heaven are paved with gold"
BGLO Example -I don't know what you been told
But the streets of heaven are rhoyal blue and gold.
And if you get to heaven and can't get in
That's because Peter and Paul are Kappa men.
Sigma Love
I love my S.
I love my S.
I love my S G Rho!
EE-YIP, EE-YIP, EE-YIP!
(repeat)
-mpsgr22 (Richton Park, Illinois),
-snip-
Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. have a special connection that is referred to as "Indiana love". That's because Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis, Indiana and Kappa Alpha Psi was founded at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
****
I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED Spiritual source for the four lines given below beginning with "I know I've been changed" - the Spiritual entitled "I Know I've Been Changed"
BGLO Example:I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED (video) [Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. song]
Zeta Phi Beta- Long Island Tribute
Uploaded on Dec 22, 2006
A tribute to my SOOO SWEEEEET Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Long Island Undergraduate Chapters. "I'm not just a Zeta, I'm a LONG ISLAND Zeta!"
-snip-
This sound file includes a series of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. songs including that a version of that sorority's "I Know I've Been Changed" (at .19 - 1.20)
An adapted version of "I Know I've Been Changed" is often sung as part of a sorority's or fraternity's probate (program). In the context of fraternities and sororities a "probate" (noun) is a program in which new members of that organization are first introduced to other members of the organization and to the general public. Here's a comment from that Zeta Phi Beta sound file's viewer comment thread:
lover7gurl, 2011
"I Know I've Been Changed" is the song we came out on at my probate! I bleed blue and white!!! Z Phi to all of my sophisticated sorors!!!
Spr. 2010
Tre Club
Sigma Mu
Columbus, MS"
**
I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual Source- "I Known I've Been Changed"
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Example -I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
The big brothers done changed my name.
On this Alpha train
On this Alpha train
I've been pledgin and I'll never be the same
Sons of Alpha are we
One in love and charity
Let our thought of sadness fly
For our own, our Alpha Phi.
Courage brothers banded we
All through life 'till eternity.
Let our hearts in* joyous praise
Sing of Alpha through endless days.
Way down in the jungle deep
Burning sands scorching my feet
Pyramids touching the sky
I'm pledgin' Alpha till the day I die
Been on line pledgin' for days
Put aside my selfish ways
Feel it deep down in my soul
My butt is burnin' and I want to be ice cold.
Own my life, and take my pride
Wood me up on my backside
Pledge me anyway you can
For when I cross I'll be an Alpha man.
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection (Gamma Iota Chapter Traditional Song, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.), 4/18/2010, used with permission and given as it was sent to me.
-snip-
Pancocojams' editor- This example from the Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection probably combines more than one independent song/chant which may have been sung together.
I contacted Brian A. Jackson to ask him if the song posted above was actually three different songs that were sung one right after the other. Mr. Jackson responded to my email with the following comments:
"I have not heard it nor sung it, but I believe that is the full song. Its a song that is sung while they are Sphinxmen so "On this Alpha train" refers to them being on the way to Alpha...
****
I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED [Zeta Phi beta Sorority Inc. song]
Spiritual Source- "I Known I've Been Changed"
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority version: I know I been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I been changed
Zeta Phi Beta done signed my name.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOqvDDhQnS4 "Zeta Phi Beta / Sigma Theta Zeta Grad Chapter of Zeta of East Chicago welcome SPR 23 Delta Class" posted by DEZTINNI, May 1, 2023
****
I LOOKED OVER JORDAN [Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source - "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (lyrics: "I looked over Jordan and what did I see")
BGLO Example - I LOOKED OVER JORDAN
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Kappa Alpha Psi looking up at me
I said, "Tell me Nupe, what do you say?"
He said "Damn I shoulda pledged that A Phi A"
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Omega Psi Phi looking up at me
I said tell me Que, to save your soul,
Why did you steal the PHI and Old Gold
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Phi Beta Sigma looking up at me
I said "Tell me Blue, what do you see?"
"I see Alpha Phi Alpha shining brighter than me"
Cause we're the ICE COLD brothers of A Phi A
And pledging our frat is the only way!
-ColdFront06, http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243, Frat/Soror Chants, 9/28/2005
Note: This blogger also posted this same example on http://onolympus.proboards.com/thread/1471, Feb 29, 2008
****
IN THE BEGINNING [Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source: "I don't know what you've been told/But the streets of heaven are rhoyal blue and gold" has its source in the floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/the streets of heaven are paved with gold". That verse is found in a number of Spirituals.
BGLO Example - IN THE BEGINNING
In the Beginning
Yes, in the beginning there were only two.
Yes, Eve was Delta and Yes Adam was a Que.
But they messed up and what do you know
To fix it-was KAPsi and SGRho.
I don't know what you been told
But the streets of heaven are rhoyal blue and gold.
And if you get to heaven and can't get in
That's because Peter and Paul are Kappa men.
- http://ms_quiet.tripod.com/chants.html, retrieved 12/8/2012
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_17.html for an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity version of this chant from Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., author of The Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. That version doesn't include the "I don't know but I've been told..." verse. Adam and Eve are obviously the names of the first man and woman in the Christian Bible.
****
K, L
****
M. N
MAKE WAY THE QUE TRAIN IS COMING [Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual source/s - Spirituals about the Gospel train such as "Good News. Chariot Comin",
BGLO Example -Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
And you don’t want to be left behind.
- words sung with chanted interjections; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clo2cLue28o
-snip-
I also heard Ques sing this song in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania step shows in the 1990s.
-snip-
Make Way...the Que train is coming.....BETA chapter 2013 entering the circle
Clyde Ashley Sherman, Published on Sep 15, 2013
****
N, O
****
P, Q
****
R, S
SAID I WASN'T GOING TO TELL NOBODY [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source- "Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody"
BGLO Example -SAID I WASN'T GOING TO TELL NOBODY
Said I wasn't going to tell nobody
A Phi A A Phi A
But listen people I've got to shout it
A Phi A A Phi A
The Kappas and the Sigmas
They got some soul:
A Phi A A Phi A
But they just can't compare
with the black and gold.
So listen Q's you'd better step aside.
But a lot of Q's didn't and a lot of Q's died.
Oh, A Phi A A Phi A
(Repeat twice)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
-snip-
This is how that example was sent in to my no longer active cocojams.com website. It may be a combination of three songs/chants that were sung at the same time.
****
T, U
THIS TRAIN (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
Spiritual or Early Gospel source song - "This Train Is Bound For Glory"
-snip-
This train don't carry no Zetas.
This train.
This train don't carry no Zetas
This train.
No.
This train just carries the Akas
The [name of chapter] of Alpha Kappa Alpha
This train.
This train don't carry no Sigmas.
[Sing same words as above but substitute the word "Sigmas".]
This train don't carry no Deltas.
[Sing same words as above but substitute the word "Sigmas".]
-online source https://www.wattpad.com/44876415-alpha-hard-greek-life-our-night
-snip-
BGLO Example: Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 63 P.R.O.D.I.G.Y. AKA
Spring 2009-7
hudrmodel, Uploaded on Apr 16, 2009
Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 63 P.R.O.D.I.G.Y. AKA Spring 2009
-snip-
Decledra Corbett, 2016
@jbbullard1992 : This train don't carry no sigmas this train. This train don't carry no zetas this train. This train don't carry no deltas this train. This train just cares* the alpha. The lovely alpha chapter of alpha kappa alpha. This train just carries the AKA** this train!!! This is the whole chant!!
-snip-
*"cares" is a typo for "carries"
**AKAs is pronounced "ah kahs" in this song.
****
V, W
WADE IN THE WATER (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority song)
Spiritual source - "Wade In The Water"
BGLO Example - WADE IN THE WATER - DST100- Wade in the Water
Jami E, Jan 14, 2013 -snip-
Based on comments in this video's discussion thread, this chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is from Clark Atlanta University. The other YouTube examples of this song that I've found have also been from Clark Atlanta University.
I haven't found any lyrics to this song online and have only been able to transcript the chorus (that is consistent in each of the online YouTube examples that I've found.
Here are those lyrics (Additions and corrections are welcome.)
"Wade in the water
Wade in the water, sorors
Wading in the water
Wading in the water for DST".
****
WALKING 'CROSS THE YARD (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority song)
Spiritual Source: The line "I don't know, but I been told" etc. is a floating verse that is found in a number of Spirituals
BGLO Example:
I was walking 'cross the yard
Just the other day;
I heard girl say in a funny way,
She said "I don't know, but I've been told,
That the baddest thing around is the blue and the gold."
So I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around.
I said "Don't you utter another sound."
Let me tell you about the blue; let me tell you about the gold-
BLACK, BEAUTIFUL, and BOLD!
mpsgr22 (Richton Park, Illinois), 3/12/2001, https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=6876 "Chants"
****
WE ARE SORORS (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
Early Gospel song source - "We Are Soldiers"
BGLO Example:
"We are Sorors and we’re striving
We have to work
Sometimes we have to cry (we have to cry)
We have to hold on to Alpha Kappa Alpha,
And we’ll keep holding on until we die."
-snip-
AKAs Setting up-HOWARD UNIVERSITY 2014
Adande Piggott, Published on Jan 15, 2014
-snip-
Here's a comment from another YouTube video of AKAs' neophytes (new members) singing this adapted religious song suggest that it was sung at least twenty years ago:
gotmypearls, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVxOO7FkClI
"20 years later and this song still gives me chills..."
****
WE LOVE OMEGA - [Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual source of the verses "so high you can't get over it...etc...You must go through the door- Spiritual "My Lord Is So High
BGLO Example:
WE LOVE OMEGA*
Lead – Well, we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead – Oh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead- Ooh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead and Group - Because it’s deep down in our heart
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
down, down down ,down
Deep down in our hearts
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Down, down down down
Deep down in our hearts
Lead – Omega’s so high
Group- So high you can’t get over it
Lead- Omega’s so low
Group- so low you can’t get under it
Lead &Group- Omega’s so
Lead and Group – wide
Lead & Group -You must go through that door
-snip-
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
-snip-
Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
Neos setting owt some songs on their initiation... and NO.. they will never wear that much 'nalia at the same time again lol. Their voices were a bit hoarse.
-snip-
This featured song is #2 in this video [begins at 1:46]
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/darling-omega-song-two-other-omega-psi.html for a pancocojams post that features this song and other Omega Psi Phi Fraternity songs.
Here's a partial statement from the summary of another video that is included in that post and is from that same event:"The '70s Bruhs would always woo the women with their vocal abilities... passing down the tradition"
***
WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc chant)
Spiritual Source- "Somebody's Knockin At Your Door"
BGLO Example:
WHO'S THAT KNOCKIN AT THE DOOR
Who's that knockin at the door
Well it's the Ques.
We're gonna break it on down.
[Repeat several times.]
-posted by Azizi Powell, heard at various step shows in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1990s
****
X,Y,Z
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual Source- "I Known I've Been Changed"
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Example -I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
The big brothers done changed my name.
On this Alpha train
On this Alpha train
I've been pledgin and I'll never be the same
Sons of Alpha are we
One in love and charity
Let our thought of sadness fly
For our own, our Alpha Phi.
Courage brothers banded we
All through life 'till eternity.
Let our hearts in* joyous praise
Sing of Alpha through endless days.
Way down in the jungle deep
Burning sands scorching my feet
Pyramids touching the sky
I'm pledgin' Alpha till the day I die
Been on line pledgin' for days
Put aside my selfish ways
Feel it deep down in my soul
My butt is burnin' and I want to be ice cold.
Own my life, and take my pride
Wood me up on my backside
Pledge me anyway you can
For when I cross I'll be an Alpha man.
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection (Gamma Iota Chapter Traditional Song, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.), 4/18/2010, used with permission and given as it was sent to me.
-snip-
Pancocojams' editor- This example from the Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection probably combines more than one independent song/chant which may have been sung together.
I contacted Brian A. Jackson to ask him if the song posted above was actually three different songs that were sung one right after the other. Mr. Jackson responded to my email with the following comments:
"I have not heard it nor sung it, but I believe that is the full song. Its a song that is sung while they are Sphinxmen so "On this Alpha train" refers to them being on the way to Alpha...
****
I KNOW I'VE BEEN CHANGED [Zeta Phi beta Sorority Inc. song]
Spiritual Source- "I Known I've Been Changed"
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority version: I know I been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
I know I been changed
Zeta Phi Beta done signed my name.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOqvDDhQnS4 "Zeta Phi Beta / Sigma Theta Zeta Grad Chapter of Zeta of East Chicago welcome SPR 23 Delta Class" posted by DEZTINNI, May 1, 2023
****
I LOOKED OVER JORDAN [Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source - "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (lyrics: "I looked over Jordan and what did I see")
BGLO Example - I LOOKED OVER JORDAN
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Kappa Alpha Psi looking up at me
I said, "Tell me Nupe, what do you say?"
He said "Damn I shoulda pledged that A Phi A"
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Omega Psi Phi looking up at me
I said tell me Que, to save your soul,
Why did you steal the PHI and Old Gold
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
I saw Phi Beta Sigma looking up at me
I said "Tell me Blue, what do you see?"
"I see Alpha Phi Alpha shining brighter than me"
Cause we're the ICE COLD brothers of A Phi A
And pledging our frat is the only way!
-ColdFront06, http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243, Frat/Soror Chants, 9/28/2005
Note: This blogger also posted this same example on http://onolympus.proboards.com/thread/1471, Feb 29, 2008
****
IN THE BEGINNING [Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source: "I don't know what you've been told/But the streets of heaven are rhoyal blue and gold" has its source in the floating verse "I don't know but I've been told/the streets of heaven are paved with gold". That verse is found in a number of Spirituals.
BGLO Example - IN THE BEGINNING
In the Beginning
Yes, in the beginning there were only two.
Yes, Eve was Delta and Yes Adam was a Que.
But they messed up and what do you know
To fix it-was KAPsi and SGRho.
I don't know what you been told
But the streets of heaven are rhoyal blue and gold.
And if you get to heaven and can't get in
That's because Peter and Paul are Kappa men.
- http://ms_quiet.tripod.com/chants.html, retrieved 12/8/2012
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_17.html for an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity version of this chant from Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., author of The Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. That version doesn't include the "I don't know but I've been told..." verse. Adam and Eve are obviously the names of the first man and woman in the Christian Bible.
****
K, L
****
M. N
MAKE WAY THE QUE TRAIN IS COMING [Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual source/s - Spirituals about the Gospel train such as "Good News. Chariot Comin",
BGLO Example -Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
Make way the Q train is comin
And you don’t want to be left behind.
- words sung with chanted interjections; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clo2cLue28o
-snip-
I also heard Ques sing this song in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania step shows in the 1990s.
-snip-
Make Way...the Que train is coming.....BETA chapter 2013 entering the circle
Clyde Ashley Sherman, Published on Sep 15, 2013
****
N, O
****
P, Q
****
R, S
SAID I WASN'T GOING TO TELL NOBODY [Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. chant]
Spiritual Source- "Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody"
BGLO Example -SAID I WASN'T GOING TO TELL NOBODY
Said I wasn't going to tell nobody
A Phi A A Phi A
But listen people I've got to shout it
A Phi A A Phi A
The Kappas and the Sigmas
They got some soul:
A Phi A A Phi A
But they just can't compare
with the black and gold.
So listen Q's you'd better step aside.
But a lot of Q's didn't and a lot of Q's died.
Oh, A Phi A A Phi A
(Repeat twice)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
-snip-
This is how that example was sent in to my no longer active cocojams.com website. It may be a combination of three songs/chants that were sung at the same time.
****
T, U
THIS TRAIN (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
Spiritual or Early Gospel source song - "This Train Is Bound For Glory"
-snip-
This train don't carry no Zetas.
This train.
This train don't carry no Zetas
This train.
No.
This train just carries the Akas
The [name of chapter] of Alpha Kappa Alpha
This train.
This train don't carry no Sigmas.
[Sing same words as above but substitute the word "Sigmas".]
This train don't carry no Deltas.
[Sing same words as above but substitute the word "Sigmas".]
-online source https://www.wattpad.com/44876415-alpha-hard-greek-life-our-night
-snip-
BGLO Example: Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 63 P.R.O.D.I.G.Y. AKA
Spring 2009-7
hudrmodel, Uploaded on Apr 16, 2009
Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 63 P.R.O.D.I.G.Y. AKA Spring 2009
-snip-
Decledra Corbett, 2016
@jbbullard1992 : This train don't carry no sigmas this train. This train don't carry no zetas this train. This train don't carry no deltas this train. This train just cares* the alpha. The lovely alpha chapter of alpha kappa alpha. This train just carries the AKA** this train!!! This is the whole chant!!
-snip-
*"cares" is a typo for "carries"
**AKAs is pronounced "ah kahs" in this song.
****
V, W
WADE IN THE WATER (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority song)
Spiritual source - "Wade In The Water"
BGLO Example - WADE IN THE WATER - DST100- Wade in the Water
Jami E, Jan 14, 2013 -snip-
Based on comments in this video's discussion thread, this chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is from Clark Atlanta University. The other YouTube examples of this song that I've found have also been from Clark Atlanta University.
I haven't found any lyrics to this song online and have only been able to transcript the chorus (that is consistent in each of the online YouTube examples that I've found.
Here are those lyrics (Additions and corrections are welcome.)
"Wade in the water
Wade in the water, sorors
Wading in the water
Wading in the water for DST".
****
WALKING 'CROSS THE YARD (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority song)
Spiritual Source: The line "I don't know, but I been told" etc. is a floating verse that is found in a number of Spirituals
BGLO Example:
I was walking 'cross the yard
Just the other day;
I heard girl say in a funny way,
She said "I don't know, but I've been told,
That the baddest thing around is the blue and the gold."
So I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around.
I said "Don't you utter another sound."
Let me tell you about the blue; let me tell you about the gold-
BLACK, BEAUTIFUL, and BOLD!
mpsgr22 (Richton Park, Illinois), 3/12/2001, https://greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=6876 "Chants"
****
WE ARE SORORS (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
Early Gospel song source - "We Are Soldiers"
BGLO Example:
"We are Sorors and we’re striving
We have to work
Sometimes we have to cry (we have to cry)
We have to hold on to Alpha Kappa Alpha,
And we’ll keep holding on until we die."
-snip-
AKAs Setting up-HOWARD UNIVERSITY 2014
Adande Piggott, Published on Jan 15, 2014
-snip-
Here's a comment from another YouTube video of AKAs' neophytes (new members) singing this adapted religious song suggest that it was sung at least twenty years ago:
gotmypearls, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVxOO7FkClI
"20 years later and this song still gives me chills..."
****
WE LOVE OMEGA - [Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. song]
Spiritual source of the verses "so high you can't get over it...etc...You must go through the door- Spiritual "My Lord Is So High
BGLO Example:
WE LOVE OMEGA*
Lead – Well, we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead – Oh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead- Ooh we love
Group- We love Omega
Lead and Group - Because it’s deep down in our heart
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
down, down down ,down
Deep down in our hearts
We said it’s deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Down, down down down
Deep down in our hearts
Lead – Omega’s so high
Group- So high you can’t get over it
Lead- Omega’s so low
Group- so low you can’t get under it
Lead &Group- Omega’s so
Lead and Group – wide
Lead & Group -You must go through that door
-snip-
*I'm not sure if this is the actual title of this song.
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the video. Additions and corrections are welcome.
-snip-
Omega Psi Phi Songs - Terrible x3 Tau Lambda Lambda Chapter
KingJames432, Uploaded on Nov 17, 2009
Neos setting owt some songs on their initiation... and NO.. they will never wear that much 'nalia at the same time again lol. Their voices were a bit hoarse.
-snip-
This featured song is #2 in this video [begins at 1:46]
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/darling-omega-song-two-other-omega-psi.html for a pancocojams post that features this song and other Omega Psi Phi Fraternity songs.
Here's a partial statement from the summary of another video that is included in that post and is from that same event:"The '70s Bruhs would always woo the women with their vocal abilities... passing down the tradition"
***
WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc chant)
Spiritual Source- "Somebody's Knockin At Your Door"
BGLO Example:
WHO'S THAT KNOCKIN AT THE DOOR
Who's that knockin at the door
Well it's the Ques.
We're gonna break it on down.
[Repeat several times.]
-posted by Azizi Powell, heard at various step shows in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1990s
****
X,Y,Z
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
I'm aware that some people have the position that it is against Christian teachings to compose and perform secular songs that are adaptations of religious sources.
ReplyDeleteI am a Christian and I don't agree with that position. Instead, I focus on the creativity of these songs and chants, recognizing that some religious songs/chants have always been used as sources for some non-religious songs/chants. Besides, I believe that religion is a part of people's entire life, and isn't just a Sunday church service.
With regard to fraternities competing with other fraternities (or sororities) engaging in group bragging and insulting other fraternities (or sororities), I know that bragging/dissing elements are core parts of many African American cultural traditions such as Blues, the dozens, and certain Black American children's recreational rhymes. Furthermore, I recognize that there are different types of people with personalities and interests, and that partially explains for me why people gravitate to different Greek letter organizations and/or other kinds of organizations.
As part of my full disclosure, in 1966/1967, when I was a sophomore in college, I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. However, during part of the two months that I was pledging, I became interested in and involved in the afro-centric movement. Shortly after I went over (i.e. became a full member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, I recognized that I had to make a choice between involvement in AKA or involvement in the afro-centric organization that was just getting off the ground near my college. (That organization was Committee for Unified Newark whose eventual leader was Amiri Baraka, who was/is more widely known as poet/playwright Leroi Jones). I decided that that cultural organization fit me better than AKA, and I have been inactive with AKA ever since, although-as these pancocojams posts reveal- I still have an interest and an appreciation of certain aspects of the cultures of historically Greek letter organizations.
And, to go back even further, I was raised in a Baptist church family. Prior to leaving home to for college, my sisters and I usually attended church services at lease three times a week, and three times on Sunday (Sunday school, the main Sunday church service, and the Sunday evening church service. My mother was a Sunday school teacher, the church Clerk and an administrator in a county organization for Baptists where her father, my grandfather, was previously the Superintendent for years. Although, I chose not to devote my energy to church when I was in college, and haven't regularly attended church since then, I still love some church music and other aspects of African American church culture- as reflected in other posts on this pancocojams blog.
For the cultural record, I'm re-printing these comments from the discussion thread for this 2015 pancocojams post https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/01/black-fraternities-sororities-chants_16.html "Black Fraternities & Sororities Chants That Mention Crossing The Burning Sands"
DeleteAzizi PowellJuly 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM
I disagree with a definition about "crossing the burning sands" that I just read on http://mycrazygreeklife.blogspot.com/2012/12/thebeginning-i-joined-bglo-black-greek.html Greek Terminology
"Crossing the burning sands: This is done after a pledged or hazed process only. This is done with hot ashes.”
-snip-
As an AKA who "crossed over" in the late 1960s, I know that definition wasn't true for my line. We DEFINITELY didn't cross over any hot ashes.
ReplyDelete
UnknownApril 13, 2017 at 1:13 AM
Why did you stop being an AKA?
ReplyDelete
Azizi PowellApril 13, 2017 at 11:12 AM
Nell Cannon, my position is that once you've "crossed the burning sands", you're always a member of that Greek letter organization.
I consider myself a long term inactive member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. And I acknowledge the memories that I have about my experiences with that organization and the lessons about myself and about others that I learned from pledging that organization and being active in that organization for a very short time.
After joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I decided to concentrate on the activities of a Black cultural organization called Committee For Unified Newark that I has also joined around the same time.
Shortly thereafter, I left Newark and also left that organization.
I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when I was 21 years old. Although there was and continues to be a very active graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. in Pittsburgh, I never became involved in that chapter or any other chapter of that organization.
I have various reasons for that including my decision to concentrate on raising my children, and my being active in African centered and African American centered cultural activities such as storytelling adapted West African folktales, collecting African American children's rhymes and game songs, starting and leading a cultural after-school group for children called "Alafia Children's Ensemble", and starting and coordinating a cultural website called "Cocojams".
Also, the older I get, the less fond I am of organizational dynamics.
ReplyDelete
AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 2:52 PM
I salute you. It was "a season", in life. I went over @ a HBCU, where hotplates and Sand were used. They were suspended from campus. However, being well into my 70s I have found running a non-profit, helping others, retirement from the educational system has been fulfilling and my first love as I was taught and hopefully exhibited is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Azizi PowellAugust 15, 2022 at 7:21 PM
Thanks Anonymous for sharing your life experiences and missions.
People may walk different paths, but hopefully we look back on a life worth living.