This African-American spiritual song tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt across the Red Sea while being pursued by Pharaoh's army. It describes children dressed in red who must be the Israelites that Moses led and children dressed in white who must be seeking the light, and children singing and growing strong like a living tree who are free. The chorus repeats a call to "Wade in the water" and that God is going to trouble or part the water.

1. Wade in the Water Words and music: African-American Spiritual

2. Wade in the water! Wade in the water children Wade in the water! God’s gonna trouble the water!

3. Who are these children dressed in red? Wade in the water They must be the ones that Moses led Wade in the water

4. Wade in the water! Wade in the water children Wade in the water! God’s gonna trouble the water!

5. Who are these children dressed in white? Wade in the water They must be the ones out seeking the light Wade in the water

6. Wade in the water! Wade in the water children Wade in the water! God’s gonna trouble the water!

7. Who are these children singing and free? Wade in the water Growing and strong like a living tree Wade in the water

8. Who are these children singing and free? Wade in the water Growing and strong like a living tree Wade in the water