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Transcript

"I Be So Glad... When the Sun Goes Down"

"No the silent drive was bold

He was down on me"

The slaves worked with a passion unmatched by others. Their weary souls longed for freedom, but any signs of rebellion or independance caused strife with the master.

"I'm in a wall of trouble you

Oh right to me"

The slaves encountered daily stuggles and had to learn how to behave. Their own thoughts and ideas didn't matter, and whipping usually followed the simplest courses of action. Any sense of identity was stripped from the slaves as they sought to hide from the wrath of their masters.

Conclusion

This song reveals the sorrow and difficult life of mistreated, overworked plantation workers. "Slave songs" contain the only sense of identity and individuality they were able to cling to.

Musical Elements

Hidden Meanings

The song's slow, consistent rhythm, as well as the antiphonal style suggests their monotonous labor. The sound of chains and tools can be heard keeping the beat while also complementing the harsh mood of the song.

"You ain't got your own mind

You will never be worried

When the sun goes down"

Functional Qualities

The simple call for rest exemplified by the song reveals the process of dehumanization imposed by their masters. This outright imprisonment of identity alludes to the underlying sorrow found in the lyrics.

To communicate with eachother, plantation slaves would call out greetings or commiserations, often in the form of song. These songs were never written, but improvised as the days went on.

At First Glance...

The song purveys the tired laborers wanting rest from their daily toil. The sun going down is the end of their day, which also signifies a short respite from their troubles.

Thesis:

The song, "I Be So Glad... When the Sun Goes Down" embodies the weary lives of plantation slaves as their identities slip away.

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