Composer

:

Traditional Spiritual

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:06

"I Want to Die Easy" is a traditional spiritual song that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century during the era of slavery in the United States. The song's premiere was likely in the form of a call-and-response chant sung by enslaved people as they worked in the fields or gathered in secret for religious services. Over time, the song evolved into a full-fledged spiritual with multiple verses and a more complex melody. "I Want to Die Easy" is typically performed in a slow, mournful tempo with a simple chord progression. The lyrics express a desire for a peaceful and painless death, with the singer asking God to "let my soul rest easy" and "take me home to glory." The song is divided into several movements, each with its own distinct melody and lyrics. The first movement sets the tone with the opening lines, "I want to die easy when I die / I want to die easy when I die / I want to die easy when I die / Lord, I want to die easy when I die." The second movement expands on this theme, with the singer asking God to "let my soul rest easy" and "take me home to glory." The third movement is a call-and-response section in which the singer asks, "Won't you come and go with me?" and the congregation responds, "To my Father's house." The final movement is a repetition of the first, with the singer once again expressing their desire for a peaceful death. The song ends with the lines, "I want to die easy when I die / Lord, I want to die easy when I die / I want to die easy when I die / Take me home to glory." Overall, "I Want to Die Easy" is a powerful and poignant expression of the hope and faith that sustained enslaved African Americans in the face of unimaginable hardship and suffering. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of spiritual music to uplift and inspire people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

More....