Originally anthems were associated with church music and the singing of praises. Over time the word has acquired a broader meaning.In modern parlance it can be a song of celebration or a symbol of unity for nations or causes. It can also be a song that brings people together in a sporting environment.
This series on 'Modern Anthems' considers only secular songs. Those associated with 'just causes' and sport will be considered.
'We Shall Overcome': An Anthem for the Oppressed
At the turn of 19th century Charles Tindley, an American Methodist minister from Maryland penned, among other hymns, one called, 'I shall overcome someday'. The tune he wote is no longer popular. However, an old African Slavery spiritual called, 'No more Auction Block for me.' has a tune that is.
The exact details are unclear but legend has it that at some point during the 1940's revised words based on Tindley's hymn were fitted to the opening and closing bars of 'Auction Block'. That is the form in which the song has reached us today.
The Movement
The reason why 'We Shall Overcome' has acquired the epithet 'anthem' is that it served as such during the active period of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America. It was sung by the black people who were subjected to a form of apartheid in the Southern States. There is no doubt that the tune is one that would have been well known by the activists within the cause.
Just as importantly, it was sung and recorded by some of the most influential folk singers of the day. Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, for example, gave it a world wide audiance. At the height of its popularity it was sung by an impromptu choir consisting of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, The Freedom Singers, and Theodore Bikel who concluded Dylan's set at the Newport Festival in 1963. (Mojo Magazine, December 2010)
Not only did these artists find 'We Shall Overcome', an excellent vehicle for their talents but they were equally sympathetic to the cause it represented. So much so were Dylan and Baez involved with the movement that Dylan's 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall.' were also adopted by the leaders.
The Song
It is always hard to understand why some songs become popular and others flop. In the case of 'We Shall Overcome' it is not difficult to understand why it was adopted by a cause. It has simple words. Each line is repeated and recurs several times throughout the song. This makes it easy for people to learn. The tune is both catchy and simple to pick up.
Such phrases as, 'We'll walk hand in hand', serve to create powerful images whilst bringing people together under a united banner. It is a positive optimistic song and may yet find future currency in a political or sporting context. What is certain is that there will always be causes to support.
Conclusions
It is impossible to assess the effectiveness of an 'anthem' in bringing about the success or otherwise of a pressure group. However, what is much more evident is the sense of unity that a gathering of people can transmit when they are both literally and metaphorically 'singing from the same hymn sheet.'
References:
- Mojo Magazine' December 2010
- Dylan, B 'Blowin' in the Wind' Colombia Records 1963
- Dylan, B 'A hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' Columbia Records 1963
