Byrd, Prompt 3 (Spirituals)

 "Wade in The Water" is an African American Spiritual made in the 19th Century. It is much more than just music, however, as it is also a blend of good music, Christianity, and a message, but also a signal or warning to enslaved people to travel through the water to escape their slave masters. It is prevalent in the lyrics "Wade in the water, wade in the water, children, God’s gonna trouble the water," which also comes from the bible as well. Like an abundance of other spirituals, it makes its presence felt on multiple levels. A notable performance was when a group called Sweet Honey In The Rock performed it. You can tell by the crowd that the meaning and essence behind the song still holds weight. I chose this piece because I was not only familiar with it but also because I know the meaning of the song and the strength it has. 

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