Slavery and Freedom Songs

Slavery Songs

Have you ever wondered why slaves sang in cotton fields or during work? Well, here are some reasons why.

Slaves used songs "to convey hidden codes, and to help boost morale of their fellow workers." Slaves also used music as a form of encouragement during hard times and to pass time. In addition, slaves sang in order to please their masters, hoping  their slavery period would be shortened. In most of their songs, slaves "asked the lord for help and guidance," and most of them were converted to Christianity. Below is a song that was sung by the African-American slaves. In this song, you can hear men chopping trees.

African-American Slavery Song

No More, My Lord

 

Sung by Jimpson

Chorus:
No more, my Lord,
no more, my Lord,
Lord, I’ll never turn back no more.

I found in him a resting place,
and he have made me glad (chorus)

Jesus, the man I am looking for,
can you tell me where he's gone?
(chip strikes microphone)

Go down, go down, among flower yard,
And perhaps you may find him there.

Click here to learn more about Negro Work Songs and Calls.

Freedom Songs

Freedom fighters also used songs to convey hidden codes and educate each other on what was happening in the society. Below is a Kikuyu folk song which talks about freedom struggle in Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of Kenya, led the country to independence and this song praises him for leading Kenya to freedom. In addition, this song praises him for providing great advice to Kenyans, regarding country building. The song also mentions the fertile lands which were given back to Kenyans after the country became independent in 1963, and Kenyans can now claim Kenya as their beloved country.
This song is sung in Kikuyu and if you can't understand the language, just enjoy the music.

Mbariki ikihia-Kenyan Kikuyu folk