"I've Got the Key to the Kingdom" is a
gospel blues song recorded in 1929 by
Washington Phillips (18801954, vocals and
zither).
The song consists of several verses and a
refrain
A refrain (from Vulgar Latin ''refringere'', "to repeat", and later from Old French ''refraindre'') is the line or lines that are repeated in music or in poetry — the "chorus" of a song. Poetic fixed forms that feature refrains include the vi ...
:
The verses relate to the Biblical story of
Daniel in the lions' den, and his deliverance from it; found in the
Book of Daniel at
Chapter 6 Chapter Six refers to a sixth chapter, but the term may also refer to:
Music
* Chapter 6 (band), a professional a cappella ensemble from Illinois, USA
* Chapter 6: Couples Therapy, the seventh studio album by American recording artist Syleena Joh ...
.
Phillips' song may be a variant of a traditional
gospel song. "Key to the Kingdom" by Bessie Johnson and the Sanctified Singers (1929, 10" 78rpm single
Okeh 8725) consists almost entirely of a similar refrain.
"Got a Key to the Kingdom" by
Josh White (1935, 10" 78rpm single
Melotone 5-11-60 and simultaneous releases) has the same tune and a similar refrain, but very different verses.
Recordings
* 1929Washington Phillips
* 1929
Blind Willie Davis
Blind Willie Davis (–1930s) was an American blind gospel blues singer who recorded in the 1920s.
Davis recorded six sides for Paramount Records in 1928 and 1929. He sang solo and played slide guitar in a blues influenced style similar to tha ...
(song titled as "I've Got a Key to the Kingdom") on
Paramount Records
Paramount Records was an American record label known for its recordings of jazz and blues in the 1920s and early 1930s, including such artists as Ma Rainey, Tommy Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson.
Early years
Paramount Records was formed in 19 ...
See also
*
Keys of the Kingdom (disambiguation)
References
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Blues songs
Gospel songs
Washington Phillips songs
1929 songs
Columbia Records singles