What are some examples of “double meanings” found in the spiritual songs created by African American slaves?

It is known that traditional slave melodies, also recognized as the Negro spirituals, have greatly gathered a very important function in the culture and society of African Americans. Traditionally, the melodies and tones overheard in the antebellum south could be initiated on the African folklore metamorphosis, dualism, and dependable acquaintance with the Eurocentric-Christianity.

Thus, the forced sharing of both philosophies, European and African, fashioned an excruciating and hitherto rhythmic rhyme to escapism and spirituality. The metaphorical duality of several hymns, for example, “Go down, Moses” and “Steal away to Jesus,” highly prove the double entendre of diction and lyric as to forbid commitment and intellect of escape in all the slave hearts.

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "What are some examples of “double meanings” found in the spiritual songs created by African American slaves?" December 11, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/what-are-some-examples-of-double-meanings-found-in-the-spiritual-songs-created-by-african-american-slaves/.

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Academic.Tips. "What are some examples of “double meanings” found in the spiritual songs created by African American slaves?" December 11, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/what-are-some-examples-of-double-meanings-found-in-the-spiritual-songs-created-by-african-american-slaves/.

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