SFR - Slave Spirituals and the Underground Railroad Lesson

Without the freedom to come and go as they pleased or to gather in groups away from their masters, slaves had to develop ways to communicate among themselves in codes their masters or overseers would not understand. One of the ways they did this was through the use of spirituals, songs based on religious hymns that seemed to contain acceptable messages about God, the afterlife, and good behavior on this earth. However, these same songs reminded religious slaves that God had delivered his people out of bondage before and provided hope that he might do so again.

Slave spirituals served many other important purposes. First, they helped the time pass as slaves worked long hours, often in the blazing sun. The meter and repetition resembled African tribal music and provided a steady work rhythm. Second, spirituals offered a release of emotions that were unsafe to express in any other form - frustration, anger, hatred, and despair, among others.

Finally, slave spirituals often provided specific information about the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists working to help slaves escape into the free states of the North. Please view the brief Discovery Education video on the Underground Railroad linked below. You will also find linked below a map of the various routes taken by escaped slaves. These resources will help you understand the slave spirituals we will listen to, so take some time to study them.

The Underground Railroad Video Link Links to an external site. (see instructor for current Discovery Ed password)

Map of Underground Railroad Link Links to an external site.

Reading Assignment

Now you will look at four famous spirituals: "Wade in the Water," "Follow the Drinking Gourd," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Go Down, Moses." At least one audio version of each spiritual is linked below and the texts of all are found in one link so that you can read along. As you listen, think about how each spiritual might serve as both comfort while in bondage and instructions for seeking freedom.

"Wade in the Water" Audio Link Links to an external site.

"Follow the Drinking Gourd" Audio Link Links to an external site.

"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" Audio Link Links to an external site.

"Go Down, Moses" Audio Link Links to an external site.

Underground Railroad Spirituals Lyrics Link Links to an external site.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.