Where O Where is Old Elijah?
Channel: Stephen Griffith
Date: 2020-04-30

Day 45 of the American Songbag Stay-at-Home Series  (folksongindex.com)

From the 1832 Sacred Harp: According to the Sacred Harp, the tune is by Peter Cartwright (1785-1872), and is known as "Hebrew Children." No author is listed for the words, however, and the versions show strong variations.

Sandburg says: "A widely known song among pioneers in the middle west, probably borrowed from the African-American culture, but became known as a "White Spiritual."Sandburg continues, " Its melody, its half-story elements, its weaving repetitions, make it a good song for company and party singing. And it is one of the best I know of for children and voices, grown-ups to join in on, to loosen up, and to get at each other's voices. 

"This complete version comes to us from Lloyd Lewis, Free Quaker, and former and early resident of Pendleton, Indiana, a man of sterling integrity and many devices."

The song refers to Elijah's transportation to heaven in a fiery chariot ( 2 Kings 2:11), Absalom's rebellion against his father David (2 Samuel 15-18) and subsequent death  (2 Samuel 18:9-18).