Escape and Freedom
Fig.11. The first
reaction of freedom
was to dance and
sing (Bensell)
reaction of freedom
was to dance and
sing (Bensell)
Not only were these songs a form of support for the slaves during hard times, but they helped encourage slaves to reach safety and freedom.
"Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains"(Douglass 40).
Again, slave songs diverted attention away from the misery of the life of a slave. Without the geographical hints in slave songs, slaves would not know which path to follow. Most importantly, these songs brought many slaves to safety and freedom. The following lyrics are from one of the songs Harriet Tubman sang to fellow slaves.
"I'm sorry friends to leave you, Farewell! Oh, Farewell! But I'll meet you in the morning, Farewell! Oh, Farewell" (Fradin 186).
Slave songs, in particularly the freedom songs, helped slaves communicate with one another without their overseers knowing the significance of the intentions of the slaves, and what messages were being passed through their songs. These intentions are more understood by our people today as the lyrics have been published and decoded. The fact that many slaves would get caught trying to escape is very distasteful. When slaves were caught many of them would get severely whipped, have a body part inhumanely removed, or were forced into harder labor.
"Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains"(Douglass 40).
Again, slave songs diverted attention away from the misery of the life of a slave. Without the geographical hints in slave songs, slaves would not know which path to follow. Most importantly, these songs brought many slaves to safety and freedom. The following lyrics are from one of the songs Harriet Tubman sang to fellow slaves.
"I'm sorry friends to leave you, Farewell! Oh, Farewell! But I'll meet you in the morning, Farewell! Oh, Farewell" (Fradin 186).