The Angel Rolled The Stone Away

This is a hymn about Easter. It is based on the events in Matthew 28:2, which describes an earthquake occurring as an angel rolls the stone that was sealing Jesus' tomb.

Most sources attribute it as an Afro-American spiritual, and regard the text as being in the public domain. Beyond that, no information about the song's origins has been found. Most recordings and performance on YouTube are not by Afro-American performers.

There are many variation of the lyrics between different versions:

Angel or angels
De / the
Roll / rolled

With meter 8.8.8.8.8, it is set to a tune that is called ROLL THE STONE AWAY by some sources.

Downloads

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Downloadable SATB choir with organ, arranged by Jan Mulder

SAB choir setting with piano reduction, arranged by Daniel C. Meyer

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Live recording in a church service

Jazz arrangement, professional recording

Acapella choir, professional recording

Church choir, unaccompanied

Bluegrass quartet in a concert

Lyrics

Chorus:
Oh, the angels rolled the stone away,
Oh, the angels rolled the stone away,
'Twas on that Easter Sunday morning
That the angels rolled the stone away.

Sister Mary she came running just about the break of day.
She was bringing news from heaven
That the angels rolled the stone away.
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Said the angel He is not here;
He is risen as he said,
Why seek ye the living
way down here among the dead.
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Jesus said, "Touch Me not Mary,
but go on ahead of me.
Go and tell all my disciples
to meet me in Galilee."
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...

Brother Thomas he came running,
And his eyes were open wide.
Jesus said, "Man, if you doubt me,
Come put your hand right in my side."
Great God, Almighty! Oh, the angels...