Chi Coltrane: Go Like Elijah

From her self-titled album that brought us “Thunder and Lightning,” Chi Coltrane received additional airplay with today’s Spiritual Sunday song – “Go Like Elijah.” This gospel tinged song has her characteristic pounding piano and features a choir to give that church experience. In fact, a number of gospel groups have also recorded this song.

Live Version

From 2009, here’s a live version of today’s selection. Even nearly 40 years afterwards, Chi has still got it.

Lyrics

Someday my time to die will come.
When that will be, I do not know
I only know that when I have to go.
Yeah, when I go— I wanna go
Just let me go— Lord, when I go
Yeah, when I go— Lord, let me go

Just let me go like Elijah when I go
I want to rise right up into the sky
And ride white horses with fiery eyes
Lord for my sins I apologize

Just let me go — Lord when I go
When my time comes for me to go
Just let me go like Elijah when I go
I don't want no tombstone above my head
And I don't want no pinebox for my bed
And I don't want anyone to say I'm dead.
I don't want no one cryin'
Or feelin' sad
Or standin' in the rain without their hat
I wanna go up happy — Imagine that

Yeah, when I go— I wanna go
Just let me go -—Lord, when I go,
Yeah, when I go— Lord, let me go
Just let me go like Elijah when I go
I want to rise right up into the sky
And ride white horses with fiery eyes
Lord for my sins I apologize
Just let me go— Lord when I go
When my time comes for me to go
Just let me go like Elijah when I go...