Noah

The song "Noah" by The Jubalaires is a gospel retelling of the biblical story of Noah and the Ark. The lyrics recount the narrative of God's decision to cleanse the world of its wickedness through a great flood, sparing only Noah, his family, and the animals he gathers into the ark. The repeated line "God's gonna ride on the wind and tide" emphasizes the power and inevitability of God's will, as well as the idea that divine intervention can manifest through natural forces like wind and tide.

The song's verses detail the instructions given to Noah by God, the construction of the ark, and the eventual flooding of the earth. The use of phrases like "the ringing of the hammer cried judgment" and "the hewing of the saw cried sin and repent" personifies the construction tools as voices calling for repentance, symbolizing the urgency and gravity of God's message to humanity. The Jubalaires' rendition of this story is not just a recounting of biblical events but also serves as a metaphor for salvation and obedience to divine command.

The Jubalaires were an American gospel group active in the 1940s and 1950s, known for their rich harmonies and spiritual messages. Their music often reflected the struggles and hopes of African American communities during that era, using biblical stories as allegories for contemporary issues. In this context, "Noah" can be seen as a song of hope and redemption, encouraging listeners to seek salvation and to trust in a higher power during times of turmoil.