Steal Away interprets the traditional spiritual, "Steal Away to Jesus," as a song of alternating sorrow and strength. The refrains are presented quietly and mournfully: "Steal away to Jesus. I ain't got long to stay here." In contrast, the verses are sung with conviction: "My Lord calls me, calls me by the thunder." Similarly, the accompaniment varies from florid arpeggiations (for the refrains) to rhythmic chordal entrances (for the verses).