Down by the Riverside by Donna Lee Saxophone Quartet is a well-known African-American spiritual. Its roots date back to before the American Civil War, though it was first published in 1918 in Plantation Melodies: A Collection of Modern, Popular and Old-time Negro-Songs of the Southland. The song refers to biblical imagery such as baptism (white robe), the River Jordan, Jesus (Prince of Peace) and heaven (road to heaven). Continue reading →