| You are here: | About>Education>African-American History> Music / Musicians> Work Songs |
 | African-American History |
Other Glossary Terms"Work Songs"Definition: Work songs were sung by slaves while they worked. Although it was used to alleviate boredom, the tempo was also used to synchronize the performance of a repetitive task. This was similar to the way music was used in Africa. Work songs were also used by chain gangs. Examples: Dey be paired up to a tree, an' dey mark de blows by de song. Fus' one chop, den his partner, an' when dey sing TALK dey all chop togedder; an' purty soon dey git de tree ready for to fall and an' dey yell "Hi" an' de slaves all scramble out de way quick. Other Glossary Terms |
|
All Topics | Email Article | |  |  |
| Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | Help | Our Story | Be a Guide |
| User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | ©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. |