LITTLE DAVID

LITTLE DAVID

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This is one of the famous Afro-American spirituals that appears in many variants (or versions). There were no boundaries in Spirituals (or even today's Gospel songs) and many verses often migrate to other spirituals, depending on the singer. Here the soon-to-be King David is praised for his talent on the harp, but in devotion to God ("Hallelujah" or "Praise the Lord"). The next line tells the story of defeating Goliath, the giant. Then the story of Joshua is mentioned, who did everything God asked of him ("till the work was done"). The message is brought up to date by warning Christians to avoid gambling. This is a lot like Japanese Haiku poetry, where different ideas (images) are joined into a unity, in this case the idea is to always think of God, whether playing music, killing giants, or at recreation.

Little David play on your harp, hallelujah. (Repeat.)
Little David was a shepherd boy, he killed old Goliath and shouted for joy. (2)
Little David play on your harp, hallelujah. (Repeat.)
Joshua was the son of Nun, he never would quit till the work was done.(2)
Little David play on your harp, hallelujah. (Repeat.)
I told you once, I told you twice, you'll never go to Heaven for shooting dice [gambling].
Little David play on your harp, hallelujah. (Repeat.)