Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Just What Are Negro Spirituals

By Dorothea Garner


There is nothing like old Negro spirituals to get people thinking about the past and present. If you are one that likes to decipher the past, then listen one of these songs will help you uncover the feelings of those who were enslaved years ago. Many African American people still listen to the songs to try to understand the past. Other people just enjoy singing the old hymns because it makes them feel closer to their ancestors.

Things have changed over the years. These songs were often heard when the slaves were in the fields picking cotton. Most slaves would have to attend church to in secret but when the doors to the church opened you could hear music as well. You will not hear these hymns church too many church choirs today. There are some choirs that may sing one or two will but the tempo of them have been changed to a more uplifting sound. Some people like to be reminded of the past but the great majority try hard to leave it behind.

During those difficult days many look for anything that would give them a sense of hope. The songs were usually heard by individuals who were working in cotton fields. Many of these people were unable to attend church services and often worked long days. People during those times had a lot of musical talent. A lot of them could not read nor write so they had to memorize the words and hold them close to their heart.

Younger generations today listen to the music and wonder how did the music help their ancestors. They want to know what was going on in their mind or was there a deeper meaning that was conveyed during the words. There is so much to know about those times when slavery was legal.

Singing was away for people to escape and believe that a change would be coming. Most of the songs looked to a higher being to guide them in a better life or way of living. A lot of slaves actually communicated with one another through songs. If a slave wanted to relate a message to another person without their overseer knowing what they were talking about they would do it in a song.

Most details about the music is still unknown. There is still a lot to be learned. Most people who had any information about the songs have died and those remember hearing the stories as a young child have often forgotten or got the stories mixed up.

There is one clear thing about the lyrics of the music there was heart and soul put into each one. Whoever was singing or composing the words were telling a story or trying to uplift the spirit of someone. It is certain that a story of some type was being told.

Everyone has their own beliefs about the Negro spirituals. Regardless of what their interpretation is the music has to be one most fascinating sounds during that time. The music is definitely not something you would hear in the new generation music today.




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