1. Used in the 19 th Century as a way to incorporate religion Brought the African American community together Often follow a “call and respond” pattern, similar to worship traditions in Africa Reflect the idea of salvation: spiritual freedom through faith and physical freedom through God’s grace

2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan and what did I see Coming for to carry me home, A band of angels coming after me, Coming for to carry me home.

3. If you get there before I do, Coming for to carry me home, Tell all my friends I’m coming too, Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home, Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home **Listen to sound clip – My Music

4.  To what extent is this spiritual song about escaping the physical strain of slavery?  To what extent is it an expression of religious hope and faith?  What role did sharing spirituals play for those living in slavery? R E F L E C T

5. Using Spirituals to Escape  Owners kept slaves illiterate and ignorant of geography: Roots: “I don’t take to nigga’s off the plantation. This way they don’t know which way is east, which way is to the west. Once they have figured out where someplace else is—next thing you know, they’ll know which way is the north.”

6. Drinking Gourds

7. POLARIS The Big Dipper

8. Follow the Drinking Gourd When the sun comes back and the first quail calls, Follow the Drinking Gourd. For the old man is waiting for to carry you to freedom, If you follow the Drinking Gourd. The river bank makes a very good road, The dead trees show you the way, Left foot, peg foot, traveling 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. Where the great river meets the little river, Follow the Drinking Gourd. For the old man is waiting to carry you to freedom if you Follow the Drinking Gourd. **Listen to sound clip – My Music

9. Have you ever gotten into a fight with a parent or friend and listened to a song to help you feel better? Is there a song that you love because it reminds you of a special time or place? Having seen the significance of Spirituals to the slaves, think of songs in your lives that hold such importance and why. “Good Riddance Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 3ZuJIr_uW3M