A slave song is a type of religious folk song that has “secret messages” to try and help slaves escape from slavery and get to freedom (Miles 518). These songs were sung by slaves in the 1860’s. When Africanized Christianity began to control slave population, spirituals became a new way to reflect one’s faith, sorrows, and hopes.White and Black spirituals differ in many ways. In fact, they differ on the content including one’s personal rights and living situations (Lewis 122). In the 19th century, slaves were beginning to protest, creating slave songs and spirituals. In addition, some songs were known to be freedom songs, defining the struggle for democracy of the slaves and protesters (Lewis 121). Using these songs, slaves expressed their
