Agricultural Work Songs
Most agricultural work songs were rhythmic a cappella songs intended to increase productivity while reducing feelings of boredom. Rhythms of work songs serve to synchronize physical movement in groups, as they in parts of Africa with drum accompaniment, coordinating sowing and hoeing. The usage of verses in work songs are often improvised and sung differently each time. Improvisation provided singers with a sometimes subversive form of expression. Slaves sung improvised verses about escaping. Improvised verses sung by sailors spoke of ills with work conditions and captains. Many work songs serve to create connection and familiarity between workers.
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Famous quotes containing the words work and/or songs:
“All too soon these feet must hide
In the prison cells of pride,
Lose the freedom of the sod,
Like a colt’s for work be shod,”
—John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892)
“And our sov’reign sole Creator
Lives eternal in the sky,
While we mortals yield to nature,
Bloom awhile, then fade and die.”
—Unknown. “Hail ye sighing sons of sorrow,” l. 13-16, Social and Campmeeting Songs (1828)