As such, by crossing the Jordan River, the singers are expected to be able to set down their burdens and live life without trouble. Owing to this symbolism, songs related to the River Jordan were not uncommon; Newman Ivey White, writing in 1928, noted that several writers had commented on slaves' fondness for including the river in their spirituals. Coffin recorded performances of the song as substituting the names of audience members or participants as sitting on the Tree of Life, for instance a Mr. Jones, with each progressive rendition of the song substituting a different individual. Elizabeth Kilham, who listened to the song in a church, noticed a similar trend. However, rather than name members of the congregation, the version sung by the church went through a number of Biblical figures, including Jesus, the archangel Gabriel, and the prophet Moses. This was followed by friends and relatives, including "my fader" and "my mudder", before ultimately culminating with a number of people respected by the congregation, including former president Abraham Lincoln and Union general Oliver O. Howard. As the performance continued, it became more enthusiastic. Coffin describes the performance: See also Roll, Jordan, Roll, a photographic collaboration showing the lives of former slaves and their descendants on a plantation in the Gullah coastal region of South Carolina References Works cited African-American spiritual songs Religious songs Mahalia Jackson songs