Negro Spiritual / Appropriation

Because this is a Negro Spiritual -- the central medium by which the enslaved expressed the suffering of an inhuman existence -- it is important to carefully consider if your group can grasp and convey the pain, resistance, sorrow and history of centuries of bigotry, violence, and oppression that is the foundation and essence of these songs. This video briefly explains the need for performers to gain a thorough grounding and understanding of the origins and significance of this music. Please: 

1. See the information, videos, and references provided in the Negro Spirituals document.

2. Consider carefully how this music can be presented with context and respect for those who created it. 

Understand that cultural appropriation happens when elements of a non-dominant culture are used in a way that doesn't respect their original meaning, give credit to their source, reinforces stereotypes, or is done without a willingness to engage in the struggles or pain that may lie behind the custom (or in this case, song).  See When Does Appreciation Become Appropriation (video).  To avoid this, please consider appropriate MC work that discusses the origins and history of the songs and how they were used by the enslaved and by African Americans generally in the ensuing years, through Jim Crow to today.

Songs with this Caution

• Ain't-a That Good News

• Amen

Medleys with this song:  

• • • Born in Bethlehem medley

• Bring Me Little Water, Silvy

This song also often includes body percussion. It is important singers/audiences are educated about the significance of African American work songs and body percussion. If it were to be performed as simply a fun song, it could come off as musical Blackface. (see history question) 

Also see ADDITIONAL DETAILS about this song originating from African American work songs. 

• Do Lord

Medleys with this song:  

• • • • Old Time Religion / Do Lord medley

      • This Little Light of Mine / Do Lord medley

• Down by the Riverside [Note: "bright-eyed doll" Adaptation is Inadmissible]

• Down to the River to Pray

• Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Medleys with this song:  

• • • Born in Bethlehem medley

• Mary Had a Baby

• Old Time Religion

Medleys with this song:  

• • • • Amazing Grace / Old Time Religion medley

      • Old Time Religion / Do Lord medley

• Rise up, Shepherd, and Follow

• Swing Down Chariot

Medleys with this song:  

• • • • Swing Down Chariot (mistitled, Ride the Chariot) (unattributed medley) 

      • Swing Down Chariot (unattributed medley) 

• Swing Low Sweet Chariot

Medleys with this song:  

• • • • Swing Down Chariot (mistitled, Ride the Chariot) (unattributed medley) 

      • Swing Down Chariot (unattributed medley)

• This Train (is Bound for Glory)
  see History question for details specific to this song 

Medleys with this song:  

• • • • Train - Saints medley