\"The music doesn't change governments. Some politician isn't going to be changed by music he hears. But we can change people — individual people. The people can change governments" (Art of Protest, pp. 30-31) -A civil rights activist
I found it interesting that Reed said that freedom songs were often most important for those sitting on the fence about joining the movement (31). The songs asked questions like, "Which side are you on?" Therefore, music was not simply a tactic used to unite those already in the movement, bring hope or allow a wave of calm to wash over a people scared and desperate for answers. Music was a way activists conveyed issues in a way that would demand their attention. It was also a way, as Reed writes, to promote individualism and connectedness (paraphrased). Songs like "We Shall Overcome," initially titled "I'll be Alright, begin with personal statements of belief about a larger collective of people. Individuals contributed to the creation and changed the song over time, but it was adopted by a group of young protesters (SNCC- The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). It gave the masses a shared identity rooted in culture and tradition, which united people across the movement. Music disrupted the dominant discourse and stood within an unpopular ideology in attempts to popularize it. We also discussed that we could describe Heidegger's thoughts on art as a "way to lift humanity beyond its toil," and I would describe these freedom songs as a way of doing so. In February, I sang freedom songs and spirituals with my choir for a Black History Month benefit concert. We sang "City Called Heaven," a dark spiritual full of lament and pain. It was, essentially, what Reed would call a captivity narrative. I am a pilgrim, a pilgrim of sorrow / I'm left in this wide world, this wide world alone / I'm trying to make it; make heaven my home. It touched on, in an indirect way, issues of slavery and hints at heaven as a place where those fighting (non-violently) could finally be free. This is a song about trudging toward freedom. It could inspire others to keep marching for their freedom and equality; a song as deeply emotional as this could rile the tired or inspire a type of internalized anger necessary for protesting. This is also another example of individualization among the larger "we." Though this song uses "I" language, any African-American could relate to the pain of slavery, segregation and/or discrimination. Songs like this connect those who sing them with their past — often rooted in the gospel tradition — and continue to spread the history of the movement. The music is a way to remind people about the struggles of their ancestors. I also think this song, in particular, is an interesting example of "solidifying one's faith against fear," as we discussed in class. Though they are facing tremendous adversity, those who sing this song believe they will one day make heaven their home. They have to believe in order to face a fear-inducing reality and fight against it. Here's a link to "City Called Heaven": www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCa4WHH9v_Y
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