According to DuBois’s “The Sorrow Songs,” the signification is that these songs are of pain from deep within their souls. They sang for slavery. They sang to get them through the day. They sang for their faith in God. They sang for hope that they would be free one day, even if that day came in death. They took that ache and sang about it to release their grief. They sang to America for turning a blind eye. They worked the land, took care of their children, and fought wars, and Still, they made no distinction in being equal to men and women. They continued to be seen and restrained to slavery.
The most significant song in this chapter is “Roll, Jordan, Roll” because this song is about getting into Heaven and being free. It is a piece of music that individuals have passed down to generations and folks from centuries ago. Even different artists have sung it like John Legend in the 12 Years a Slave soundtrack. It reflects that even today, we are still listening to this song that refers to faith, and as a spiritual believer in God, I do believe when we die, we go to the promised land.