Peace Like a River
USA
HISTORY AND SONG NOTES
Peace Like a River is an African-American spiritual, and is featured in many Christian hymnals and song traditions; the text is thought to refer to the biblical verse Galatians 5:22, which describes the first three items of the “fruit of the spirit” to be love, joy, and peace.
While listening to or singing this song, the children can rock their bodies to feel the beat and meter of the song. They can also experience singing piano, legato, and creating smooth phrases with their voices.
There are additional lyrics that the children may enjoy singing as well:
I have joy like a fountain, I have joy like a fountain, I have joy like a fountain in my soul…
I have love like the ocean, I have love like the ocean, I have love like the ocean in my soul…