Follow+the+Drinking+Gourd

The song, "Follow the Drinking Gourd," told a good, interesting story in it. He would teach slaves this song and this would teach them how to escape. "Follow the drinking gourd," meant to follow a certain route and on that route there would be people that would help slaves try to escape from the south. This was one of the acts of the Underground Railroad, which would help slaves escape. It is amazing that this man would go look for a job on huge plantations with many slaves and then teach slaves this song. The chorus of this song was repeated many times so it would be the most remembered part of the song because it was one of the most important steps in escaping.

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I thought this story was very interesting. It showed someone that was full of courage and determination to stand up for what is right. The fact that he took a huge risk by taking a job helping out a master of a piece of land and was of high authority at the farm, and then broke the trust he had built between the owner and him just to help the slaves escape. He had so many consequences that could've resulted if he was caught, and he could have been caught at any moment. Even though he was at danger, he stuck his neck out and continually worked on helping the slaves find freedom. I believe people like this should be more recognized in history for their incredible amounts of persistance and courage. Not only did he help the slaves, but he did it in a creative way that took much thought and organization. "Follow the Drinking Gourd," is an influnce on those in the world that believe in something that is right and just, but are afraid to stand up for it. This man was a faithful martyr who can be a hero and leader to many people who are willing to help out a cause even at their own loss.

Personally this story is very moving to me and reminds me that God wants us all to stand up for what is right, even if that means sacraficing ourselves, like Jesus did for us on the cross.

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Follow the Drinking gourd is an isportaional song to everyone expecially the solideirs who were lucky enough to hear this. This song was very orginal becuase it was exactly what these norhtern soliders were trying to do was set the slaves free. This song is almost like a map. It also relates to God for me. This song is almost like a guiding it was probably used as a code maybe. I just like the fact to mdo that theese people really stood for what they belived anyhting and the slaves would risk everything. If a slave was caught he was in huge trouble some pusnishabloe by death, beating and they would even break the slaves legs or angles so they couldn't walk. If they were a really bad slave they would even cut the akillies tenden. To me this song is almost like a relougouse song becuase in a way this song could relate to. It just says to follow the drinking gourd over and over again and that means just look what is ahead get over what you are going through stay strong and look to Jesus when you need help. To me this is what this song mainly represents. 1205362771Ale2

The "drinking gourd" is actually a reference to the stars that make up the big dipper. When slaves were shipped to a plantation they were confused on their location and didnt know which way was which.. When they wanted to escape, they needed to know which direction was north, because no other direction would lead them to freedom. The big dipper is always seen in the north sky so its location could be used to direct the fugitive slaves to freedom. This song was used to help the slaves get away, i think that it is cool to think that a song could help someone gain their freedom. This was an interesting thing to learn about. mme

This song was very interesting. It was the only song on our sheet that had a chorus in it and I thought that was interesting especially the fact that it helped slaves to freedom interested me. Though I didn’t like the way the song sounded I thought it was a good song. It was interesting how the drinking guard was related to the star formation in the sky, the big dipper. The reference to the big dipper was to show the slaves the way north to freedom. In the song slaves were also told to follow the river bank marked by “left foot peg foot” and the “dead trees”. The song continues on to tell slaves how to overcome obstacles along the way. It was all very interesting how such an important thing was hidden in song. It was very smart of the creator of the song to think of this idea and it was an excellent thing to help slaves out. 1205366300

This song was like a map or a direction guide to tell the slaves where to go to be free from the captivity of the south. the first verse was like a countdown to the slaves."When the sun goes back" "The first quail calls," was telling the slaves when the right time was good in order for the slaves to escape. The quail calls gives the slaves a sign to go escape. The old man was God, and as long the slaves kept following the drinking gourd then they would be on the right track. the second verse explains that the riverbed was a good path to go, so the slave swouldn't leave a track behind fro the south to find. Using dead trees can also be a good way to tell which direction you're going. When you see another river at the end, you still follow it, just listen to God and He'll show you the way. Then you see a sign from the sky and you wonder that the stars are going to show you the way. The salvation began when the slaves found where to go thanks to the stars. God showed them the way and He carried them to freedom.1205367623

I really liked this song. This song was song by the slaves to provide a map through the stars through slavery. I really like the fact that slaves used songs as a "code" for them to communicate. It's funny because times have changed. As a way of communication, girls write notes in the hallway, while back in the 1800's, songs were used. I think that this song is interesting because they describe what to do and how to escape the slavery, but they don't say neccessarily say what their main plan is. The slaves were very smart with this because the song could have easily been interpreted and heard by a white man. The stars in heaven have played such a huge direction role on history. Between theh slaves and sailors, they have changed lives. The slaves were very intelligent for the limited amount of resources that were available to them. I admire them greatly for all of the things they did in history!1205371664ape2

I believe that this short song was not meant for "enjoyment," but rather for information and direction. After "reading in between the lines," I quickly realized that is was meant to be a set of instructions on how to escape from slavery. The title of this song is "Follow the **DRINKING GOURD**." When slaves planned to escape, they would usually in most cases do it during the night. At night, the stars are visible, and in the night sky there are the different constellations. A gourd is a type of ladel or spoon; what constellation is shaped like a big spoon... the big dipper! The north star is incorporated within the constellation, and it was the slaves guide in order to get to a place where they could experience freedom safely. 1205375263

I also think of this short song as way of direction to the slaves. I'm sure they could've understood it and interpreted it way better since they knew more about the situation than others. The drinking gourd was the Big Dipper obviously, and they used this constellation as a way of direction for their escape. To us, stars would only simply mean something in the sky involving the galaxy. But, to slaves it seems as if this was their only way and recognition of freedom. Obviously, the slaves would look for the Drinking Gourd would be looked for at night. During the night the slaves had an easier chance at escaping and not getting caught, then just trying to leave a plantation in broad daylight. 1205428825

This was my favorite song of all the one's brtom played for us. I dissagree with the people who said it wasnt meant at all for enjoyment, it was, however yes the main purpose was to direct the slaves to absolute safety. This song was for the slaves to follow the big dipper which always played such a big role in letting the slaves get to safety (the stars) The stars back in the day were a true guidance for slaves and any other people to find their way to a certain place or spot. It was interesting how the song was though because it could be decieving to someone less intelligent, they may not make the connection between the Gourd and the Dipper. Overall it was a great song and had a real nice tempo to it which made it very enjoyable as well. 1205444441 _- I think this song shows just how clever some people can be. There were people who knew that slavery was wrong and wanted to help. I've heard the song before but I didn't know that it was used to help slaves escape until Br.Tom brought it up. I thought sort of interesting thought how no one caught on and how this guy got away with helping all these slaves escape. I mean wouldn't you think that eventually someone would catch on or at least be a little curious? But I agree with the cause so i have nothing against it, plus it does kind of have a catchy tune.1205463190

I have heard this song before this class and i have always liked it. You would not think that was a song to show the slaves how to escape. I has a great flow to it and the guy who teaches it to the slaves must have been an amizing person. It takes so much courage to do something that would get you put in jail for a long time or get you wiped. No matter, what ia m trying to say is it would be a big punishment. He must of had a great deal of patience to teach a song to a bunch of eliterate slaves, or atleast most of the time. From what i heard from brother tom was that he never even got caught. You would think someone would have found out and told on him but thankfully noone did because he was doing the right thing. I wonder if the peg legged guy thought of this song because that would be even more incredible. 1205464027

I love the hidden meaning to this poem. It's rebels like this that really catch my attention in literature and songs. Everybody loves the story of the tricky man who tried to help innocent people escape. This one in particular is one of my favorite examples of such a song. The meaning really isn't able to be seen unless you are told what it is supposed to mean. I didn't pick up on it at all until Brother Tom told us, and usually I'm pretty decent at picking up hidden messages. Hearing what the hidden meaning is, it makes me wonder if this song actually worked in freeing slaves. I wonder if it was true and if some old man made a path to help slaves escape. 1205465948

I actually enjoyed this song. I never thought I would even say that about music from the time of the Civil War. But it was really interesting. This song did have a pretty good rythm to it but also it had a great meaning and messge. Follow the "Drinking Gourd" meant follow the big dipper! When slaves were escaping at night they would know to follow these stars to lead them to the north where they would be free. So they would sing these songs because only slaves knew what they meant. If they sang it in front of their owners the masters would never know they were talking about escaping. Also by singing a song it was easier for them to remember instead of saying go this way and follow these stars they would just sing the song and they would know!1205467537