Lines 1-4:

The opening stanza features two lines repeated to introduce the central image of the poem: a chariot descending from the sky to carry the speaker home. For some performers and listeners, the chariot may symbolize the journey to freedom facilitated by abolitionists and the Underground Railroad. Others might see it as a divine chariot offering a path to heaven. This interpretation is rooted in the Bible, which describes chariots used in warfare and for transporting revered souls, like the prophet Elijah's, to heaven. The "sweet" chariot in the song suggests a heavenly conveyance rather than a wartime one. For instance, "Psalm 68" in the Bible's book of Psalms portrays God with thousands of chariots, signifying his might. Additionally, this stanza employs alliteration with the "s" sounds in "swing" and "sweet." Throughout the song, the repeated chorus showcases alliteration with the "k" sound in "comin" and "carry." The chorus is intended for group singing, while the first and third lines of each stanza are meant for a soloist, the spiritual leader.

Lines 5-6:

In the second stanza, the lead voice sings about a group of angels coming from the Jordan, the river that flows from the Sea of Galilee through the biblical Holy Land. According to the Bible, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River in their quest for the Promised Land. The Jordan is also notable as the river where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. Similarly, just as Egyptian slaves had a river to cross in their journey, African slaves often escaped by crossing the Ohio River to reach the North, where slavery was outlawed.

Lines 7-8:

The term "band" connotes strength, as in the phrase "to band together," which means to unite. It also implies an unbreakable bond, like a hoop or circle. Additionally, "band" evokes musical imagery, referring to a group of musicians. In the Bible, "angels" serve as messengers for God, providing assistance, protection, and deliverance to the faithful. This stanza (lines 5-8) collectively conveys the theme of deliverance and acceptance by the Lord—a concept taught in the Bible and embraced by American slaves in their quest for freedom. Like the chorus, this stanza employs alliteration with the "m" and "n" sounds in "Jordan," "an'," "comin," "me," "home," "band," and "angels." These frequent sounds lend the lyrics a soothing, melodic quality.

Lines 9-12:

In the final stanza, the singers convey a hopeful resolve to reach their home, symbolizing either literal or spiritual freedom. The lead vocalist asks the audience that if they gain freedom first, they should inform the singer's friends that he or she will soon join them. This promise of joining friends works in both the metaphorical and spiritual contexts of the song. If the song is viewed as a hopeful cry for liberation from slavery, then the friends are those who have already escaped. Alternatively, if the song represents a longing for entry into heaven, the friends would be those whose souls have already ascended. Regardless of the destination, the song effectively communicates a steadfast hope that the singers will ultimately reunite with their friends. The frequent repetition of the chorus, appearing every third and last line in each stanza, reinforces this assurance that the "chariot" will indeed carry its singers "home."