If this is an honest question: slaves in the US would sing songs as they toiled to help them cope with their hardship. From the slaveowners view the songs often seemed silly or full of hope, while the lyrics actually contained veiled instructions about insurrection or escape.
Gives me similar vibes to a southern plantation owner saying ‘my slaves are all happy; they’ve never complained to me!’
This is actually something they teach in Southern schools. That slaves were actually happy and well taken care of.
I’ve had someone say “I took real good care of my animals, why wouldn’t I have taken care of them?” In a 100% unironic way.
I just left it alone there.
This cotton was produced by whites and blacks working side by side in peace and harmony.
“Shit, they even sing while they work, they love it!”
What is the significance of the singing?
If this is an honest question: slaves in the US would sing songs as they toiled to help them cope with their hardship. From the slaveowners view the songs often seemed silly or full of hope, while the lyrics actually contained veiled instructions about insurrection or escape.
“Swing low sweet chariot” basically means “for the love of all that is holy please please let today be the day I finally die and end this”
it helped keep the tempo of work and make time pass faster
I think it’s a slavery reference.