On Revival Day (A Rhythmic Spiritual) - Bessie Smith, James P. Johnson, The Bessemer Singers

Have you ever seen a church begin to rock?

Heard a sundown deacon preachin' to his flock?

Have you ever seen old Satan on the run?

Then follow me, see just how it’s done, and have you;

Ever heard a sermon stir your soul?

Make you crave the River Jordan as you go?

Have you ever felt as though you’d like to shout?

Then come on and let them feelin’s out, oh Lord!

Just hear those sisters groanin'

And hear those brothers moanin'

Rippin' and antonin'

On revival day

They talkin' to a spirit

Just like you see and hear it;

They’re sinful and they fear it

On revival day

When that congregation starts to sing

Nothin' in this world don’t mean a thing!

Oh, glory hallelujah!

Makes you feel so peculiar

The Devil cannot rule ya

On revival day!

Glory glory

Hymns are purifyin'

Glory glory

Wash my sins away!

Lawdy lawdy

Heal just like a lion

Lawdy lawdy

It’s reborn today!

Oh, just tell those sisters groanin'

And hear them brothers moanin'

Rippin' and anantonin'

On revival day

Oh, they’re talkin' to a spirit

Just like you see and hear it;

They sinful and they fear it

On revival day

When that congregation starts to sing

Nothin' in this world don’t mean a thing!

Oh, glory hallelujah!

Makes you feel so peculiar

The Devil cannot rule ya

On revival day!