Part 2: Let My People Go, 1776-1866

"Through the medium of song the slave could...assert his humanity in an environment that constantly denied his humanness" (The Music of Black Americans, page 155)

Explore the different sections of Part Two by navigating the galleries of sheet music below. Click on any piece to access its citation and a score, if available. 

Give Up the World, related to Psalm 19

Coony in de Hollar

The Sweets of Liberty (to the tune, Is There a Heart That Never Loved)

Follow the Drinkin' Gourd

Two Wars and the New Nation and The Ante-Bellum Period: Urban Life

Sold Off to Georgy

Roun' de Corn, Sally 

Shock Along, John

Rise up in Due Time

Musieu Bainjo

I Can't Stay Behind

Lay This Body Down

I Want to Go Home

I'm Gwine to Alabamy

The Ante-Bellum Period: General Character of the Folk Music

John Brown's Body 

Stay in the Field

Done wid Driber's Dribin 

Before I'd Be a Slave (Oh, Freedom)

The War Years and Emancipation

Part 2: Let My People Go, 1776-1866