Songs in Time of Slavery: A Multigenre Activity

Chorus:

Oh go down, Moses, 

way down into Egypt's land, 

Tell old Pharaoh, 

Let my people go.

Oh Pharaoh said he would cross,

Let my people go, 

And don't get lost in the wilderness,

Let my people go. 

Chorus

You may hinder me here, but you can't up there,

Let my people go, 

He sits in the Heaven and answers prayer,

Let my people go!

Chorus

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Songs were constantly used in slaves’ everyday life. Singing was a tradition brought from Africa by the first slaves. This served many purposes such as providing rhythm for manual labor and giving them some inspiration or motivation in such hard times. Moreover, songs were used in celebrations or as a way of communication. Let’s recall that most of the slaves did not know how to read or write. Another use for songs was to carry some sort of code containing strategies to escape or directions for a secret meeting. This song was used to let some slaves know it was not safe to come out of their hiding place because danger was heading their way.

The song reminded me of when Jane and other slaves decided to leave the plantation as soon as the Emancipation Proclamation was passed. Specifically, it made me think of the moment Jane, Laure, her children and the others were ambushed by the enemy, the Patrollers, and most of them killed. Jane was brave enough to act quickly and hide with Ned until they were completely gone. Even though no song was mentioned in the novel, there was a certain similarity between the book and the meaning of this tune as they both capture how slaves lived in constant fear of being captured again and abused.  

Video: 

            History of African American Songs