Follow the Drinking Gourd, though not published until 1928 goes back in our nations history when slavery was a way of life throughout the southern US. For those who were brave enough to try to escape to freedom in the north, they would often use the Underground Railroad as a means of movement from one state to the next. But how do you spread the word and teach each other the way to freedom when your every move is guarded day and night? Music, simple and easy. Follow the Drinking Gourd is an example of one of those songs detailing how to move from Mobile, AL to the free state of Illinois. The Drinking Gourd in the title refers to the Big Dipper, a constellation in the sky that points toward the north, toward freedom. Breaking down the song, the first verse tells when to begin the journey. When the sun comes back and the first quail calls refers to Spring time in Alabama. Quails generally begin their mating calls in April. The second verse refers to the route to take through Alabama up to Northern Mississippi. The riverbank makes a mighty good road, the dead trees will show you the way. This first river is the Tombigbee River that empties into the Mobile Bay. Peg Leg Joe, the old man or captain on the railroad, referred to in the song, reportedly marked trees with symbols to show the route. In verse three, The river ends between two hills...theres another river on the other side, the headwaters of the Tombigbee ends at Woodall Mountain and just on the other side of the mountain the Tennessee river begins, the left side of this path leads directly north. The Ohio river meets the Tennessee river in Paducah, KY and from there, the route leads straight into Illinois, a state where slavery had been abolished, a state where they could make a life for themselves. So, as we sing this map song this semester, remember that this is not just a map; it isnt just about following a path. Its about what lies at the end of that path. Its about hope and courage and the gift of freedom.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 02:37:37 +0000
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