Words and music have lost each other and new and cant phrases of a dimly understood theology have displaced the older sentiment.
W.E.B. Du Bois: “Words and music have lost each other and new and cant phrases of a dimly understood theology have displaced the older…”
Editor's note · Context
Du Bois observes how the original emotional depth of spirituals has been obscured by changes in words and theological interpretations over time.
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This waste of double aims, this seeking to satisfy two unreconciled ideals, has wrought sad havoc with the courage and faith and deeds of ten thousand thousand people,—has sent them often wooing false gods and invoking false means of…
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In song and exhortation swelled one refrain—Liberty; in his tears and curses the God he implored had Freedom in his right hand.
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