The Spiritual

The Negro spiritual is the result of a melding of African cultures that was the creation of a united African-American people. Without composer, author, date of creation, or even exact lyrics, the spiritual is a communal possession and expression of a history of pain and hope.

In addition to the spiritual’s importance as the first contribution of an African-American culture to this country, the meanings within the songs are an essential part of black history. The unintended effect of the imposition of Christianity upon slaves was their identification with its message of deliverance. Thus, in the manifestations of their innermost emotions, the slaves clung to this theme and there is a tone of rebellion and fierce hope that permeates the lyrics of every spiritual. This connection with freedom as found in Christianity led to the popularity of the stories of Moses, Daniel, and Jonah, faithful followers rescued by God from an oppressive and unfair world. By understanding these obvious parallels, we can then find messages hidden within spirituals of utmost importance. More than simple declarations of religious fervor, these were declarations of, passionate demands for freedom. Out of these unassuming rhythms and limited words grew the seeds of revolution.

Through the efforts of Paul Robeson and others like him, the significance of the spiritual was recognized and a pride in it and in other aspects of black culture was developed that proved essential to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. During this time of upheaval, the spiritual was once again carried into battle, a banner of strength, faith, and defiance behind which African-Americans could march in unity.

Listen to "Nobody Know the Trouble I've Seen" - a famous Negro Spiritual