Finding New Meaning in Old Songs
Spirituals are sometimes taught to youngsters. I consider that’s as a result of the melodies are easy and simple to study. The lyrics are repetitious and simply grasped. Lots of the spirituals are structured in a name and response method, perfect for group participation. All of that is true and highlights the African cultural retentions inherent within the music. Nonetheless, it doesn’t negate the deeper meanings held within the music, together with its historic context.
Within the tune “Each Time I Really feel the Spirit,” the phrase “Spirit” refers back to the Holy Spirit. To “really feel” or “catch” the Spirit harkens again to Africa the place spirit possession was not unusual, particularly when folks gathered for ritual ceremonies. By spirit possession, I actually imply that the spirit or orisha would inhabit and management the bodily physique of a human host. Lesser gods referred to as orishas or ancestors may very well be summoned utilizing sure rhythms and melodies if an individual knew the correct songs to play. Those that had been prepared hosts or predisposed may very well be inhabited by the summoned spirits and they’d behave in a fashion that was attribute of that spirit or orisha.
This custom was carried on by the enslaved right here within the States in a observe referred to as the ring shout, the place they might collect and sing and dance in a circle transferring counterclockwise. They had been cautious to not elevate their toes, as a result of that may very well be interpreted as dancing. Dancing was thought-about a sin by their Christian enslavers. The repetition of the singing and the depth of the motion and rhythm of the toes and handclaps would drive the members right into a frenzy that might end in spirit possession. On this case, the Holy Spirit.
I keep in mind singing this tune, this non secular, as a toddler. It could all the time be up-tempo; spirited and stuffed with power. But as I ready to write down this text, I picked up a duplicate of a e book edited by R. Nathaniel Dett of Hampton College – Non secular People-Songs of the Negro. This non secular is included in a piece labeled “Hymns of Meditation.” The printed music suggests a reasonable, strolling tempo and says to be sung “very expressively.” The class of “meditation” and the instructive, performative phrases “expressively” invoke a special concept from how I’m accustomed to occupied with this tune and what my expertise has been. When one feels the spirit, one jumps, turns into excited, shouts, even to the purpose of frenzy within the African custom. However now I discover myself reconsidering how I’ve thought of this non secular. Take the final a part of the chorus throughout the context of meditation; “Each time I really feel the Spirit transferring in my coronary heart I’ll pray.” Prayer. Prayer appears counter-intuitive to “feeling the Spirit,” or not less than as I usually give it some thought. This model in Non secular People-Songs of the Negro suggests meditation, contemplation, when one “feels the Spirit.” That is extra of a considerate dialog that includes listening.
Now let’s contemplate the primary verse – “Upon the mountain my Lord spoke, out His mouth got here fireplace and smoke.” This refers back to the second Moses heard the voice of God on Mount Horeb from a flaming bush that didn’t burn. This is able to not a be second of nice, passionate fervor. Relatively, a second of thoughtfulness, reverence, and prayer. The following verses:
Throughout me seems so shine,
ask my Lord if all was mine.
Jordan river is chilly and chilly,
chills the physique however not the soul.
I see these phrases with recent eyes. Within the e book of Revelation heaven is described as a spot the place the streets are paved with gold. (Rev. 21:21) The enslaved, not handled properly on earth could be welcome and properly handled on this lovely place. This second verse speaks of reverence and awe. The river represents baptism and cleaning, which is welcoming and has important which means for the soul. However there’s one other which means – coded phrases among the many understanding. For the enslaved, who escaped captivity (or tried), passing by way of water helped them elude canine who would possibly decide up their scent. So, water may actually be the trail to freedom.
The songs in Non secular People-Songs of the Negro had been gathered from those that really skilled slavery or had been just some generations eliminated. The reminiscences and meanings had been intact and recent. I do know sufficient about this music and traditions and the historical past to know that African People have repurposed these songs, to carry no matter which means they want them to carry within the second. Subsequently, I don’t have to discard the which means held from my youth. I can consider this tune anew, and “pray” with it for some time. Maybe, I’d really feel the Spirit another way, and listen to or really feel one thing I’ve not felt earlier than…
