You Got Ta Move

"You Got Ta Move" is a traditional spiritual from the praise houses on the barrier islands that dot the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The Sea Islands were (are) the home of a unique Afrobased culture whose language (a Creole dialect known as Gullah), lore, and customs retained more traditional African elements than corresponding mainland cultures due to geographic isolation. Bridges to most of these islands were not built until well into the twentieth century. The song's text refers overtly to holy dances, such as the ring shout, which were intrinsic to worship experiences on the Sea Islands.