Negro Spirituals
By Avery Simpson
History of Negro Spirituals
A type of folk music, Negro Spirituals are a form of acapella religious music created by African Americans during slavery that blends African music traditions and christian themes. They were used as a way to express emotions, often highlighting Black hope, suffering, and resistance to slavery. Spirituals were also useful as some contained hidden messages about escape, like through the underground railroad.
Spirituals were typically sung during work and religious gatherings, which helped foster unity and resilience in Black individuals.
Negro spirituals influenced other genres, like gospel and blues, and movements of resistance, like the Civil Rights Movement and freedom songs.
They come in various forms- individual and group- and there are many great Negro Spiritual artists, like Mahalia Jackson and Odetta.
Some Types of Negro Spirituals
Ring Shouts
Arranged Concert Spiritual
Arranged Spiritual (solo)
Jubilee songs
Work songs
Sorrow songs
Important Messages in Negro Spirituals
As mentioned, many Negro Spirituals hold important messages, especially about resistance or escape. Here are some examples:
- In “Wade in the Water,” the lyrics suggest that enslaved individuals should “wade” through water (like rivers and streams) to avoid being tracked by dogs or slaveowners. The song also suggests that God will protect escapees during their journey.
- In “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” the “gourd” is a reference to the Big Dipper which points north, a guide for the direction to escape, and the “old man a-waiting” symbolizes a guide waiting to lead escapees.
- In “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” the chariot in question is considered a symbol of transportation to freedom. The lyrics say, “Comin’ for to carry me home,” which could be mentioning the underground railroad.
