I've Got Peace Like a River

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 1863

“I’ve Got Peace Like a River” – History of the Hymn

“I’ve Got Peace Like a River” is a traditional African American spiritual that emerged in the United States during the 19th century, most likely among enslaved African Americans in the Southern states.

Origins

The hymn developed within the spiritual tradition—religious songs created by enslaved Africans in America that blended:

  • Biblical imagery

  • African musical traditions (call-and-response, repetition, rhythm)

  • Deep expressions of hope, faith, and endurance

Like many spirituals, its exact composer is unknown. These songs were passed down orally for generations before being written down.

Biblical Inspiration

The imagery in the hymn comes primarily from:

  • Isaiah 66:12 – “I will extend peace to her like a river…”

  • John 14:27 – Jesus speaking of giving peace

  • Other biblical references to joy and love flowing abundantly

The “river” metaphor symbolizes something continuous, powerful, and life-giving.

Structure and Lyrics

The most common verses are:

  • I’ve got peace like a river in my soul

  • I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul

  • I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul

The simple structure made it easy to sing in groups, especially in worship settings and revivals.

Publication and Spread

The hymn began appearing in printed collections of spirituals in the late 19th century. It gained broader recognition in the early 20th century as spirituals were arranged and performed by choirs and published in hymnals.

A major influence in popularizing African American spirituals was the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University, who toured internationally in the late 1800s. While not every spiritual they performed is individually documented, their work helped bring songs like this into mainstream church use.

Cultural Impact

Over time, “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” became:

  • A staple in Black church worship

  • Popular in children’s ministries and Vacation Bible Schools

  • Included in many Protestant hymnals

  • Widely sung in camps, revivals, and global missionary contexts

Its message of inner peace and spiritual resilience has made it enduring across cultures and denominations.

Musical Characteristics

  • Often sung in a call-and-response style

  • Repetitive melody for easy memorization

  • Sometimes sung slowly and reflectively

  • Sometimes upbeat and rhythmic, especially in congregational settings

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