What is wade in the water about?

"Wade in the water" is a traditional African American spiritual song that has been recognized as an important piece of American history. It is believed to have originated during the days of slavery in the United States when enslaved African Americans would sing spiritual songs to communicate with each other secretly.

The song is often associated with the Underground Railroad, which was a secret network of abolitionists who helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North. The lyrics of the song contain coded messages that gave instructions to slaves who were attempting to flee, such as "wade in the water" to throw off any scent dogs used by slave catchers.

The song has been popularized by several musicians, including Mahalia Jackson, Ella Jenkins, and Ramsey Lewis, and has been used in films, television shows, and other media. It remains an important part of African American musical and cultural history and is often sung in churches and other gatherings.