Gospel Spirituals

“Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 3:19-22).”

One part of the slave experience was spirituals. It was a way to express their feelings extending from sorrow and pain to hope inspiration and joy. Music was a form of communication and is deeply rooted in African American culture. It has been passed down from generation to generation throughout slavery. Some songs were call and response whereby one would sing and another would respond with singing. One such song was “Wade in the Water”. Although not a fact, it is believed Harriett Tubman used this song to warn those escaping to get into the water to hide their scent.

Music teaches us about language which helps to understand and appreciate other cultures but also break cultural barriers referred to as “crossover music”, music that appeals to different types of audiences. When slaves were being transported from their land, although those who captured them couldn’t understand their language, it is said that they could feel their sorrow through their singing. In the book of Deuteronomy 31, God used music to help His people remember His word.

I miss hearing those songs, “Steal Away”, “Wade in the Water”, “There is a Balm in Gilead”, “I’ll Fly Away”, “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”, “Come by Here Good Lord”, “Go Down Moses”, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”, “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”, “Fare Ye Well”, “Deep Down in My Heart” and so many more, a source of strength for an oppressed people.