Follow the Drinking Gourd
by David Hill
SSA - Sheet Music

Choral SSA Choir and Piano

SKU: CF.BL1223

Composed by African American Spiritual. Arranged by David Hill. 12 pages. Duration 2:40. BriLee Music #BL1223. Published by BriLee Music (CF.BL1223).

UPC: 672405010757. Key: A minor. English. African American Spiritual.

Follow the Drinking Gourd recalls the perilous, night-time journey of slaves seeking their freedom in the north during the civil war. The reference to the "drinking gourd" is the constellation known as "the big dipper." Those who escaped could use these stars to guide them through the woods and fields at night. The accompaniment was written to lend a sense of mystery about what may have awaited these travelers in the darkness. The repetitions of the word "follow" portray the haunting call of those who had gone before. When singing this song, strive to express a sense of quiet mystery but never with a weak tone. The courageous passengers of the Underground Railroad possessed an incredible strength of will that should always be part of the performance.
Follow the Drinking Gourd recalls the perilous, night-time journey of slaves seeking their freedom in the north during the civil war. The reference to the “drinking gourd” is the constellation known as “the big dipper.” Those who escaped could use these stars to guide them through the woods and fields at night.The accompaniment was written to lend a sense of mystery about what may have awaited these travelers in the darkness. The repetitions of the word “follow” portray the haunting call of those who had gone before. When singing this song, strive to express a sense of quiet mystery but never with a weak tone. The courageous passengers of the Underground Railroad possessed an incredible strength of will that should always be part of the performance.