“Children Go Where I Send Thee” is a traditional African-American spiritual that has been sung for generations. The song uses a call-and-response pattern.
One person sings a line, and others repeat or respond, making it perfect for group singing. Its numbered verses use biblical references and traditional lines that vary across versions.
These include the birth of Jesus and other key figures like Paul, Silas, and the Hebrew children. Over time, the song has been adapted by many artists in different styles.
These range from folk and gospel to children’s music and modern Christian arrangements. Mandisa’s version adds joyful energy and a contemporary gospel sound. It keeps the message clear while giving the song a fresh, lively feel.
Children Go Where I Send Thee Lyrics by Mandisa
[Verse 1]
Children, go where I send thee
How shall I send thee?
I’m gonna send thee one by one
One for the little bitty, baby
Wrapped in swaddling clothing, lying in a manger
He was born, born, born in Bethlehem
[Verse 2]
Children, go where I send thee
How shall I send thee? (How shall I send thee?)
I’m gonna send thee two by two
Two for Paul and Silas
One for the little bitty, baby
He was born, born, born in Bethlehem
[Verse 3]
Children, go where I send thee (My Lord)
How shall I send thee? (My Lord)
I’m gonna send thee three by three
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and Silas
One for the little bitty, baby
He was born, born, born in Bethlehem
[Verse 4]
Children, go where I send thee (My Lord)
How shall I send thee? (My Lord)
Well, I’m gonna send thee four by four
Four for the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and Silas
One for the little bitty, baby
He was born (Born), born (He was born), born in Bethlehem
[Bridge]
Yeah, yeah, oh, oh oh, ooh ooh
Oh oh yeah, yeah
He was born, born, born born born
Born born born, born
He was born, born born born, born born born
Born born born, born
[Verse 5]
Children, go where I send thee (My Lord)
How shall I send thee? (My Lord)
I’m gonna send thee ten by ten (By ten by ten)
Ten for the ten commandments (Nine by nine)
Nine for the nine who saw the sign
Eight for the eight that stood at the gate
Seven for the seven that went up to heaven (Six by six)
Six for the six that never got fixed
Five for the gospel preachers
Four for the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and Silas
One for the little bitty, baby, oh
(Wrapped in swaddling clothing lying in a manger)
Yes, He was born, born, born in Bethlehem
He was born, born, born in Bethlehem
[Outro]
He was born, He was born
He was born, He was born
Yes, He was (Born, born, born)
He was born (Born, born, born)
He was born (Born, born, born, born, born, born)
I said He was born (Born, born, born, born, born, born)
He was born (Born, born, born, born, born, born, born, born)
He was born (Born, born, born, born, born, born, born, born)
Oh (Born born born born, born born born born)
Oh, oh (Born born born born, born born born born)
Born born born born, born born born born
Born born born born, born born born born
Yeah (Born), He was born (Born), He was born
He was born (He was born)
Hey (He was born, He was born, He was born)
(He was born, He was born) Hey
Song Details
“Children Go Where I Send Thee” is a traditional spiritual recorded by many artists. Mandisa’s version stands out for its joyful energy and modern gospel sound, making it popular with today’s Christian music listeners.
| CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Children Go Where I Send Thee |
| Writer | Traditional (arranged by Mandisa) |
| Performer | Mandisa |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Album | It’s Christmas |
| Genre | Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Christmas |
| Label | Sparrow Records |
These details show how Mandisa gives new life to the traditional spiritual. Her style and album choice make this version popular for Christmas services and seasonal playlists, while preserving the song’s original message.
The Story & History Behind This Spiritual Song
Children Go Where I Send Thee is a traditional African-American spiritual that grew out of oral singing and group worship. The song uses a call-and-response style, making it easy for large groups to sing together.
Its numbered verses teach Bible stories through repetition, which helps listeners remember each line. The structure of the song is linked to older English folk songs, especially one called The Twelve Apostles, which also builds verse by verse.
In the United States, the song was passed down through families and churches for many years.
Early field recordings of the song include a 1939 recording collected by folklorist John Lomax, which helped preserve the spiritual for future generations.
Why It’s Loved at Christmas and Other Occasions?
Children Go Where I Send Thee is often sung at Christmas because its verses point to key Bible stories, starting with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Many of the numbered lines mention people and events from Scripture, which fit well with the holiday message. The song is also loved at other times of the year because it works well for group singing.
Each verse builds on the last, making it fun and easy for choirs, churches, and families to join in.
One downside is that the song can feel long if all the verses are sung. Still, its simple pattern keeps listeners engaged. Similar songs often sung alongside it include Go Tell It on the Mountain and The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Popular Versions & Covers of Children Go Where I Send Thee
This song has been recorded and performed in many styles over the years. Artists from folk, gospel, children’s music, and a cappella groups have shaped it to fit different audiences.
1. Johnny Cash – Traditional Folk & Gospel Interpretation
Johnny Cash’s version is slow, steady, and story-focused. His deep voice gives each verse a strong sense of meaning, helping listeners focus on the message behind the words.
The simple music style connects closely to American folk and gospel roots. This recording is often seen as one of the best-known classic performances of the song.
2. Pentatonix – Modern A Cappella Christmas Cover
Pentatonix performs the song using only their voices, with no instruments at all. Their tight harmonies and layered sounds give the song a fresh holiday feel.
This version is often shared during Christmas and reaches a wide audience online. Many younger listeners learn the song for the first time through this upbeat and polished cover.
3. The Laurie Berkner Band – Kid-Friendly Sing-Along Version
The Laurie Berkner Band’s version is designed for children. The music is playful, clear, and easy to follow. The repeated lines help kids sing along without feeling lost.
This version is popular in classrooms, music groups, and family playlists. It helps young listeners enjoy the song while learning rhythm and simple storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Originally Wrote Children Go Where I Send Thee?
It is a traditional African-American spiritual, with no single known author.
What Is the Main Theme of the Song?
The song tells Bible stories through numbered verses in a call-and-response style.
Is Children Go Where I Send Thee Only a Christmas Song?
No, it’s sung year-round in churches, schools, and group gatherings.
