Children, Go Where I Send Thee

By Anonymous

Lyrics

Refrain:
Children, go where I send thee.
How shall I send thee?

1. I'm gonna send thee one by one,
one is the little bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

2. I'm gonna send thee two by two,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

3. I'm gonna send thee three by three,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

4. I'm gonna send thee four by four,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

5. I'm gonna send thee five by five,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

6. I'm gonna send thee six by six,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

7. I'm gonna send thee seven by seven,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

8. I'm gonna send thee eight by eight,
eight are the eight that stood at the gate,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

9. I'm gonna send thee nine by nine,
nine are the nine that dressed so fine,
eight are the eight that stood at the gate,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

1. 0 I'm gonna send thee ten by ten,
ten are the ten commandments,
nine are the nine that dressed so fine,
eight are the eight that stood at the gate,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

1. 1 I'm gonna send thee eleven by eleven,
eleven are the 'leven came down from heaven,
ten are the ten commandments,
nine are the nine that dressed so fine,
eight are the eight that stood at the gate,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

1. 2 I'm gonna send thee twelve by twelve,
twelve are the twelve disciples,
eleven are the 'leven came down from heaven,
ten are the ten commandments,
nine are the nine that dressed so fine,
eight are the eight that stood at the gate,
seven are the seven came down from heaven,
six are the six that couldn't get fixed,
five are the five that dressed so fine,
four are the gospel writers,
three are the Hebrew children,
two are Paul and Silas
one is the little, bitty baby was born, born,
born in Bethlehem.

Bible Reference

Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 28:19–20; John 20:21

About This Hymn

"Children, Go Where I Send Thee" is a traditional African-American spiritual that emerged in the 19th century. It is believed to have originated among enslaved African communities in the southern United States, passed down orally through generations. The hymn combines biblical narrative with call-and-response patterns, reflecting both a deep knowledge of Scripture and the communal nature of African-American worship. Its lyrics encourage obedience, service, and faithfulness, drawing upon the model of God calling His people to fulfill His purposes.

The structure of the hymn is cumulative, with each verse building upon the previous one, similar to other traditional spirituals. It references figures and events from the Bible, such as the twelve apostles, prophets, and Christ’s birth, while emphasizing the call for believers to respond to God’s direction. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of the hymn makes it especially suitable for group singing and active participation, reinforcing its teaching about discipleship and readiness to serve God wherever He leads.

Musically, the hymn is lively and engaging, often performed with syncopation and improvisation typical of African-American spirituals. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of biblical instruction, joyful expression, and communal involvement. Today, it is sung in churches, schools, and community gatherings, continuing to inspire children and adults alike to embrace God’s call with enthusiasm, obedience, and faith.