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Dem Bones

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"Dem Bones" (also called "Dry Bones" and "Dem Dry Bones") is a spiritual song. The melody was composed by author and songwriter James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson.[1] It was first recorded by The Famous Myers Jubilee Singers in 1928. Both a long and a shortened version of the song are widely known. The lyrics are inspired by Ezekiel 37:1–14, in which the prophet Ezekiel visits the Valley of Dry Bones[2] and prophesies that they will one day be resurrected at God's command, picturing the realization of the New Jerusalem.

The song

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The chorus and verses are noted for many variations among performers, but fall into the following style. The second verse reverses the first in a pattern similar to:

The neck bone (dis)connected from the head bone
... etc...
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Locust St". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  2. ^ "Dry Bones, Valley of," in Dictionary of Biblical Tradition in English Literature, David L. Jeffery, editor. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, November 1, 1992, pages 216-217, ISBN 0-8028-3634-8
  3. ^ Entry for Decca 23948 (including image of disc label). www.discogs.com, Accessed 13 March 2012.
  4. ^ "The Chipmunks - dem Bones | with lyrics". YouTube.