Let Us Break Bread Together
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SKU: A0.828261
Composed by Anonymous. Arranged by Paul Thurmond. Christian,Gospel,Sacred,Spiritual. Score. 4 pages. Paul Thurmond #4969095. Published by Paul Thurmond (A0.828261).Tune: LET US BREAK BREAD
Use: Prelude, Offertory, Communion
This song is an African-American spiritual. Some of the text may date back as far as the 18th century. Although it has been used in communion since at least the Civil War, that may not have been its original intent.
I have heard lectures given by researchers who claim that many African-American spirituals contain coded messages, intended for slaves, about secret meetings, clandestine worship services, and escape plans. Some songs are even said to contain maps.
The texts are innocuous on the surface, so as to not alert the slave owners. Some of the double meanings seem obvious in retrospect:
When Israel was in Egypt land,
Let My people go.
Oppressed so hard they could not stand,
Let My people go.
And:
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus!
Steal away, steal away home. I ain’t got long to stay here.
In Let Us Break Bread Together, this curious line may have a double meaning:
When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun
Communion needn’t take place at daybreak, nor while facing east. The lyrics could be a pointer to a specific time and place for a prohibited meeting.
Whatever its original meaning, this and many other African-American spirituals are now an important part of many worship traditions.
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