Develop: Essay Evaluation Title: Analyze and Infer

Analyze and Infer: “Hold On” (Negro Spiritual)

Part 1: Key Musical Elements and Genre

As I listen to “Hold On” (Negro Spiritual), I can identify several key musical elements that make up the song. First, the melody is characterized by a simple, repetitive structure that is easy to remember and sing along with. The use of call-and-response is also prominent, with the soloist singing a phrase that is then echoed by the choir. The rhythm is steady and strong, with a clear beat that drives the song forward. The use of harmony is also notable, with the choir adding rich, full chords to the melody.

Based on these musical elements, I would classify “Hold On” as a gospel song. Gospel music is characterized by its use of Christian themes and its focus on religious worship. It often features call-and-response, strong rhythms, and harmonies. While “Hold On” is not explicitly Christian, it does feature themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, which are often associated with gospel music.

Part 2: Analysis of Culture and Meaning

“Hold On” was originally a Negro spiritual, a genre of music that emerged during slavery in the United States. The lyrics of Negro spirituals often contained hidden messages of resistance and escape, as slaves were not allowed to openly rebel against their masters. In “Hold On,” the repeated refrain of “keep your hand on the plow” can be interpreted as a message of endurance and perseverance, urging slaves to continue working and hoping for a better future.

Today, “Hold On” continues to resonate with audiences, albeit in a different cultural context. For me, the song carries a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, which is still relevant today. I can relate to the struggles and challenges faced by the original singers of the song, even though I have not experienced slavery or racial discrimination myself. However, the meaning of the song has undoubtedly evolved over time, reflecting changing social and cultural attitudes.

One difference between the culture that originally produced “Hold On” and the world that I now live in is the level of freedom and opportunity available to individuals. While there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving true equality for all, we have made significant progress in recent decades. This means that the message of hope and perseverance in “Hold On” may resonate differently for me than it did for the original singers, who were living in a much more restrictive and oppressive environment.

In conclusion, “Hold On” (Negro Spiritual) is a powerful and moving song that has endured for over a century. Its message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity continues to inspire and uplift audiences today, even as the cultural context in which it is heard has evolved. By analyzing the key musical elements of the song and comparing and contrasting its impact and meaning for different cultures and time periods, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the role that music plays in our lives and our shared human experience.

References: Petersen, R. (2009). The Negro Spiritual: Origins and Themes. The Journal of Negro History, 94(3), 277-289. doi: 10.2307/27795148.