“The Free Slave”
Description
"I stand as a free man beside the northern banks Of old Erie, the freshwater sea, And it cheers my very soul to behold the billows roll And to think, like the waves, I am free." The slave recalls the abuse he suffered, but he is safe under British laws
Notes
This may be a version of "O Freedom"; at least, Ed Trickett sings a version of "O Freedom" with many of the same words. But this text is highly detailed, whereas "O Freedom" is usually rather vague. - RBW
Historical references
- 1793 - Sale of slaves outlawed in Canada
- 1833 - Slavery abolished in the British Empire
Cross references
- cf. "O Freedom"
Recordings
- E. R. Nance Singers [or Traphill Twins], "Sweet Freedom" (Brunswick 565/Supertone S-2813, 1931)
References
- Fowke/Mills/Blume, pp. 96-98, "The Free Slave" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Roud #4520
- BI, FMB