Spiritual Negro Songs

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went to read the assigned stories, and I saw that they were anonymously written. It wasn’t until I found the stories that I realized why it was this way. Each of the three assigned readings and actually lyrics and are meant to be sung. They were sung by slaves, and are listed as anonymous because these songs were passed from generation to generation of workers. It’s very possible that the songs were learned through word of mouth and the true creator of them was never passed along with the lyrics. My favorite of the three songs, “Keep Your Hand on the Plow”, uses the plow, a machine often used by the colored workers, as a symbol for the gospel. It repeats, “Keep your hands on that plow, hold on” (“Keep Your Hands”). It’s a great message showing that by working hard and sticking with God, you will get through any task. It was music and lyrics like these that allowed the slaves to get through their long, hot days on the job. Both the other songs, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Go Down, Moses”, incorporate religion in their lyrics as well. Like I said before, religion was an important factor for the slaves because it was a reminder that no matter how low their situation, they were never alone and to continue looking for hope. One even demands, “Let us all in Christ be free, Let My people go” (“Swing Low”). I noticed early on how the writer calls them ‘My’ people, and I find that interesting. I assume that they related to each other being in the same situations and hoping for a better life. As with every song, the writer is trying to send a message to listeners. The creators of these songs were trying to send a message of strength to their fellow workers and a message of change to those listening. The transcendentalist incorporated messages of hope and change in their writings as well.

"Keep Your Hands On The Plow - GospelSongLyrics.Org." GospelSongLyrics.org - Lyrics and Music to All Your Favorite Gospel Songs. Web. 11 Feb. 2012.

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Lyrics." Scout Songs: Song Lyrics for Boy Scouts Songs, Girl Scouts Songs, and American Patriotic Songs. Web. 11 Feb. 2012.