Just What Are Negro Spirituals

By Dorothea Garner


Negro spirituals are songs that are an open path to the past of African American slaves. People who enjoy interpreting the past often find these songs helpful. The songs were mainly composed by black Americans who were living during the time when slavery was legal. Many people still listen to these songs today because they feel it is window to their ancestors soul.

Times have changed dramatically since these songs were used in the church. Now you will not find a lot of churches use these songs in their choirs. Many who do still allow the songs have changed the tempo of them. There are some that like to be reminded of the past, but there are those who do all they can to forget it.

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.

Generations who still keep the music present in their lives today wonder about the lives of their ancestors. What was really the story behind the hymns? No one really know but the people who were living in those days. One things is clear those songs had some type of meaning for them.

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.

There is a lot to know about each word in the lyrics. Many people who knew all the details have long been dead. The younger generations only know what they have read or heard in stories from older relatives. Some of the stories may be true while others may not. Most stories that have been heard seem to be very similar.

There is one true thing about the lyrics is that a lot of heart was put into them. Whoever came up with each song apparently had a message to convey. Whether the message was meant to carry a message between each other or make one another feel in better spirits it usually would do the job.

So, how things are really interpreted today could actually only be what is believed. Regardless of the circumstance, Negro spirituals remain to be some of the most interesting music during that time. It is nothing like the music that we hear and sing today. The music during those earlier times seems to have told a story of life that no one really understood but those who were living it.




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