The Negro spiritual is a form of musical art that is nostalgic to many Americans. These are more than just Gospel songs, as the historical context goes to the origins of those brought to the Americas on slave ships. Many of them were Africans, but they were also Jamaican, Haitian, Mexican, and South American in origin.
Traditionally these songs have been performed without instrument accompaniment. Basically, the words are the message, although steel drums and the Reggae sound did bring much of this music into the main stream consciousness. Many of these old songs were recreated during the sixties and the civil rights movement, as it brought a sense of cohesion to those in the trenches of that social change.
These songs were the origins of Blues music which became popular in the early twentieth century. While the Blues did not always have a religious theme, this particular genre did nearly always carry a Christian message, but with underlying meanings. Some of these messages still harbored old Pagan beliefs from their countries of origin, but even more importantly were the codes contained therein connected to what is known as the underground railroad.
Most known around the world is the song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Although this was recorded in 1909, it dated back to at least the days of the underground railroad. Some say the chariot was a direct reference to this mode of escaping slavery, although others point out the Biblical references. The fact is, the chariot is a religious reference that predates Christianity.
Not only African tribes spoke of other-world beings on chariots, but the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also had similar beliefs. This could be why this song resonates with people across all races and cultures. Somewhere in human history, we all had ancestors who associated chariots with the final journey of our souls.
The song itself made a direct reference to the river Jordan, but many claim that it was a code for either the Mississippi River or the Ohio River. They say that one could hear this sung out in the dead of night, letting escaping slaves know that it was safe to cross. It is possible that all these references are correct, as it is known that many codes were utilized on the underground railroad.
There are several lesser known songs which referred to the Ohio or Mississippi rivers. The song Follow The Drinking Gourd was specifically a reference to the Big Dipper, which told slaves how to find their way north to freedom. Literacy was nonexistent in the life of a slave, and these songs were a way to teach each other, as well as the next generation, how to become free.
For people all over the world, Negro spiritual songs are an interesting topic of study and enjoyment. The raw power and emotion conveyed by these songs can stir any heart, bring all of us to this point in human history. Slavery is, after all, a universal human experience, and all people have come together during such times to overcome their oppressors.
Traditionally these songs have been performed without instrument accompaniment. Basically, the words are the message, although steel drums and the Reggae sound did bring much of this music into the main stream consciousness. Many of these old songs were recreated during the sixties and the civil rights movement, as it brought a sense of cohesion to those in the trenches of that social change.
These songs were the origins of Blues music which became popular in the early twentieth century. While the Blues did not always have a religious theme, this particular genre did nearly always carry a Christian message, but with underlying meanings. Some of these messages still harbored old Pagan beliefs from their countries of origin, but even more importantly were the codes contained therein connected to what is known as the underground railroad.
Most known around the world is the song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Although this was recorded in 1909, it dated back to at least the days of the underground railroad. Some say the chariot was a direct reference to this mode of escaping slavery, although others point out the Biblical references. The fact is, the chariot is a religious reference that predates Christianity.
Not only African tribes spoke of other-world beings on chariots, but the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans also had similar beliefs. This could be why this song resonates with people across all races and cultures. Somewhere in human history, we all had ancestors who associated chariots with the final journey of our souls.
The song itself made a direct reference to the river Jordan, but many claim that it was a code for either the Mississippi River or the Ohio River. They say that one could hear this sung out in the dead of night, letting escaping slaves know that it was safe to cross. It is possible that all these references are correct, as it is known that many codes were utilized on the underground railroad.
There are several lesser known songs which referred to the Ohio or Mississippi rivers. The song Follow The Drinking Gourd was specifically a reference to the Big Dipper, which told slaves how to find their way north to freedom. Literacy was nonexistent in the life of a slave, and these songs were a way to teach each other, as well as the next generation, how to become free.
For people all over the world, Negro spiritual songs are an interesting topic of study and enjoyment. The raw power and emotion conveyed by these songs can stir any heart, bring all of us to this point in human history. Slavery is, after all, a universal human experience, and all people have come together during such times to overcome their oppressors.
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