http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg_8L96E3eU
When I learnt the history behind this spiritual, I shuddered a little. Many songs such as this one were used as secret coded messages to guide fugitive slaves to safety from oppressors. The lyrics "Wade in the water" actually tell the listener to leave dry land and take to the water, as a means of escape. I find this rendition by legendary folk singer Ella Jenkins particularly powerful.
When I learnt the history behind this spiritual, I shuddered a little. Many songs such as this one were used as secret coded messages to guide fugitive slaves to safety from oppressors. The lyrics "Wade in the water" actually tell the listener to leave dry land and take to the water, as a means of escape. I find this rendition by legendary folk singer Ella Jenkins particularly powerful.
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