The “Dry Bones” Song

“lo, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them above”. Ezekiel 37:8

 

The tune was written in the 1920s by the American author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter, and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson while he was the executive secretary of the N.A.A.C.P along with his brother John Rosamond Johnson. The two are most notable as the composers of the hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

Though often used as a vehicle to teach young children anatomy, it has a deeper meaning. It recalls the ancient Babylonian Exile (ca. 593–571 BCE), and the African-American struggle for racial equality.  The song dramatizes the picture of a valley of dry bones coming to life as told by “The visionary prophet”, Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who prophesied while he was held captive in Babylon, from July 31st, 593, to April 26th, 571BCE.  Ezekiel’s vision that his enslaved people would revive, resonated with black preachers. The BOS (Book of Occasional Services) provides a form for a service on All Hallows' Eve (Oct 31). The options for the readings include the Valley of Dry Bones (Ez37; 1-14).The song was first recorded by the Famous Myers Jubilee Singers in 1928 since then recorded by many artists. 

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones

Don’t you hear the word of the Lord?

Toe bone connected foot bone

Foot bone connected leg bone

Leg bone connected knee bone

Don’t you hear the word of the Lord?

Leg bone connected knee bone

Knee bone connected thighbone

Thighbone connected hipbone

Don’t you hear the word of the Lord?

Hipbone connected backbone

Backbone connected shoulder bone

Shoulder bone connected neck bone

Don’t you hear the word of the Lord?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nSEeYeVZUI