Love these warm responses but moved to suggest that Roland Hayes, as in so many performances in his astonishing career, really owns it. And his recordings date to his sixties.

Thanks for asking Terri,

I did some research on Four And Twenty Elders.
It is a traditional spiritual drawn from Revelation

The lyrics posted previously were from Andrew Calhoun;
from the album Bound To Go which might include
specific historical notes about Four And Twenty Elders.
Apparently he has done significant research
on each of the songs he collected for his album
If you are inclined to contact Mr Calhoun try
[email protected]
Or you can purchase the album here:
http://www.waterbug.com/wordpress/product/bound-to-go/

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In researching Four And Twenty Elders I found several recordings

Here is the Birmingham Jubilee Singers’ 1926 rendition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfU9ikPX3co

This is the Swan Silvertones’ early 50’s solemn recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JklvBCemI4w

And The Famous Davis Sisters’ 1969 exuberant rendition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKkwX_yUS2U

I trust this is helpful. I certainly enjoyed delving into this song
Nancy

What is the name of this hymns?
Do you have any historical background on it?

Is this the song you are looking for ?
If not, can you give us any more lyrics to go on ?

See four and twenty elders on their knees
Four and twenty elders on their knees
And we'll all rise together and view the rising sun
Oh Lord, have mercy if you please

They are bowing round the altar on their knees
Bowing round the altar on their knees
And we'll all rise together and view the rising sun
Oh Lord, have mercy if you please

See Gideon's army bowing on their knees
See Gideon's army bowing on their knees
And we'll all rise together and view the rising sun
Oh Lord, have mercy if you please

See Daniel among the lions on his knees
Daniel among the lions on his knees
And we'll all rise together and view the rising sun
Oh Lord, have mercy if you please

four and twenty elders bowed down