Slavery Songs

During the 19th Century, many people who were slaves made songs to describe their lives. Some even carried secret messages, or directions for people who wished to flee, like the song the Drinking Gourd:

 

Lyrics:

"When the Sun comes back
And the first quail calls
Follow the Drinking Gourd,
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry you to freedom
If you follow the Drinking Gourd
The riverbank makes a very good road.
The dead trees will show you the way.
Left foot, peg foot, travelling on,
Follow the Drinking Gourd.
The river ends between two hills
Follow the Drinking Gourd.
There’s another river on the other side
Follow the Drinking Gourd.
When the great big river meets the little river
Follow the Drinking Gourd.
For the old man is a-waiting for to carry to freedom
If you follow the Drinking Gourd." -http://www.osblackhistory.com/drinkinggourd.php