The Old Time Religion

"The Old Time Religion" is a from the African American spiritual tradition, dating back to the mid-19th century. Charles D. Tillman heard it at a camp meeting in 1889 and published an arrangement of it, bringing it to the attention of white audiences. Since then it has been consistently popular in both folk and religious circles. We sing five verses in the video, but many more exist, including the following:

It was good for our mothers

It has saved all our fathers

It was good for the Hebrew children

It was good for the prophet Daniel

Makes me love the good old Bible

It will lead me to Jesus

It is good in time of trouble

Come and go with us to glory.


The song has been recorded extensively and has appeared in several movie scores including Sergeant York (1941) and Inherit the Wind (1960).

There have also been many parodies written, most notably this one performed by Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie on the Precious Friend album.

Old Time Religion

Sheet Music

Banjo Tab

Guitar Tab

Mandolin Tab

Ukulele Tab


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