Music has been an integral part of emancipation celebrations since such events began. Though all celebrations had a beginning, no community boast of having the original emancipation commemoration. Even the first Juneteenth was not Galveston’s first ceremony. Their first program occurred on January 1, 1866. The only song documented was a performance of the military marching song, “John Brown’s Body”, forerunner to “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.
For the remainder of the 19th century, music as merely a component of celebrations. Songs were part of the program, but not necessarily the main event. During the 20th century, that changed. Juneteenth concerts became common events. That remains true for 21st century celebrations. Juneteenth concerts are often jazz concerts, gospel concerts, other genre, or a combination of genre.
White many contemporary concerts feature excellent original works and popular recent music, the song of freedom should not be forgotten. Below are a sample of the songs in the book “Steal Away – Songs for Juneteenth Celebrations”. The book contains a tiny collection of the music that accompanied the African American pursuit of equality. Included are the melodies and lyrics to a sample of code songs, spirituals, and civil rights songs.
The net is loaded with outstanding recordings of these and many other popular and little known freedom songs. Begin your search using the words, “African American freedom songs.” Enjoy!
These recordings were created during the COVID-19 shutdown. Sound quality is very poor. Recordings with actual human voices will be created as soon as possible.
No More Auction Block for Me (melody)
Lyrics
No more auction block for me. No more, no more.
No more auction block for me. Many thousands gone.
No More Auction Block for Me (arrangement)
John Brown’s Body (melody)
Lyrics
Oh, we’re the bully soldiers of the First of Arkansas. We are fighting for the Union, we are fighting for the law. We can hit a Rebel further than a white man ever saw, as we go marching on.
Glory, glory hallelujah. Glory, glory hallelujah. Glory, glory hallelujah, as we go marching on.
John Brown’s Body (arrangement)
Go Down Moses (melody)
Lyrics
When Israel was in Egypt’s land; let my people go. Appress’d so hard they could not stand; let my people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt’s land, tell ol’ Pharaoh, let my people go.
Go Down Moses (arrangement)
Follow the Drinkin’ Gourd (melody)
Lyrics
Follow the drinking gourd. Follow the drinking gourd. The old man is a-waitin’ for to carry you to freedom; follow the drinking gourd.
When the sun goes back and the first quail calls, follow the drinking gourd. There the old man is a-waitin’ for to carry you to freedom, follow the drinking gourd.
Follow the Drinkin’ Gourd (arrangement)
Eyes on the Prize (melody)
Lyrics
Paul and Silas in jail had no money to go their bail, keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.
Hold on, hold on, keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.
Eyes on the Prize (arrangement)
I Don’ Done (melody)
Lyrics
Lord, I don’ done; Lord, I don’ done; Lord, I don’ done; I don’ done what you told me to do.
You told me to sing and I don’ that, too. You told me to pray and I don’ that, too.
Lord, I don’ done; Lord, I don’ done; Lord, I don’ done; I don’ done what you told me to do.
I Don’ Done (arrangement)
Free at Last (melody)
Lyrics
Free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, I’m free at last. Free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, I’m free at last.
Way down yonder in the graveyard walk; thank God almighty, I’m free at last. Me and my Jesus goin’ to meet and talk. Thank God almighty, I’m free at last.
Oh, free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, I’m free at last. Free at last, free at last; thank God almighty, I’m free at last.
Free at Last (arrangement)