MOSES and SWING NOTES

“MOSES” and “SWING” NOTES

-Pharaoh represents a slaveholder.

-A group of slave singing “Go Down Moses” while working in the fields might feel longing and solidarity.

-The refrain in “Swing” refers to going north.

-A group of slaves would sing “Swing” to express their hope for freedom.

-The chariot in “Swing” symbolizes The Underground Railroad.

-The message emphasized by the refrain “Let my people go” is set the slaves free.

-These spirituals might be sung as a call and response to help pass the time in the field.

-An enslaved people would sing about Israel because they were another enslaved people.

MORE VOCAB

Comply, interpose, gratification, subjected, epoch