When the Spirit Says Sing!: The Role of Freedom Songs in the Civil Rights Movement

by Kerran L. Sanger

Overview

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, such songs as "We Shall Overcome," "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize," and "Do What the Spirit Says Do" were sung at virtually every mass meeting, demonstration, and planning session of Civil Rights activists. They were sung on the Freedom Rides, during the marches, and in jail cells of the South. Movement activists have commented frequently and eloquently on the ways that singing and songs gave them strength and a sense of self. This study offers a close analysis of the lyrics of the songs most central to the Civil Rights Movement, with an eye to understanding the songs as self-persuasion. In the songs, the activists defined themselves and their world, and reinforced a plan of action for their participation in the Movement. This analysis of the freedom songs is set in the context of Movement history and supported with commentary from activists and background information on Movement activities. In addition, this study offers readers insights into the moving and inspiring power of the freedom songs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136601286
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/01/1995
Series:	Studies in American Popular History and Culture
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	246
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Kerran L. Sanger

Table of Contents

Chapter I Introduction; Chapter II I Hear Singing In the Air: Singing As Communication Strategy; Chapter III We Shall All Be Free: The Activists' Goal and Self-Definition; Chapter IV I See Freedom in the Air: Defining a View of the World; Chapter V We Shall Not Be Moved: Defining a Blueprint for Action;

Editorial Reviews

An analysis of the freedom songs sung by Civil Rights activists and their rhetorical persuasion as part of an evolving African-American history. The songs are viewed as communication strategies that defined the activists' identities, the movement's goals, and a burgeoning world view. Sanger also deftly integrates her analysis with the key strategies used by the non-violent activists to achieve their political objectives. The appendices contain reproductions of lyrics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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