Famous Slave Songs
Fig.7. The 9 members of The Jubilee Fisk
Singers. Who published Wade in the Water
in 1901.(Jubilee Singers,Fisk)
Singers. Who published Wade in the Water
in 1901.(Jubilee Singers,Fisk)
Slave songs held many meanings and messages. Some were considered recreational, religious, and work related, while others held a very significant purpose (“Music in Slave Life”).
This purpose was to hint a way to freedom using coded messages in the lyrics. Two well known slave songs are “Wade in the Water” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”
This purpose was to hint a way to freedom using coded messages in the lyrics. Two well known slave songs are “Wade in the Water” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”