- According to Du Bois, the “sorrow songs” give us insight into the feelings of African Americans during the time of slavery. These songs were passed down through generations with people not knowing what the words meant, “but knowing well the meaning of its music.” People can feel the breaths of hope through each tune, which points to the fact that even in the toughest of times, they always had faith that justice would prevail. This cultural expression is essential to the African American experience since it has always been a sense of peace and comfort through racism, discrimination, and segregation.
2. In my opinion, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” is the most significant, because of its extensive message of hope. This song talks about crossing over to freedom from slavery and going to heaven. The display of “faith in death” is so powerful and makes you feel the hope and sorrow that Du Bois describes.
