Robeson found fame as an actor and singer with his fine bass-baritone voice. He is one of the few true basses in American music, his beautiful and powerful voice descending as low as a C below the bass clef. In addition to his stage performances, his renditions of old Negro spirituals were acclaimed; Robeson was the first to bring them to the concert stage.
Robeson's repertoire of African-American folk songs helped bring these to much wider attention both inside the US and abroad. Robeson also became interested in the folk music of the world; he came to be conversant with 20 languages, fluent or near fluent in 12. His standard repertoire after the 1920's included songs in many languages (e.g., Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, German, etc.).
Robeson was among the first performers to sing in concert on behalf of the U.S. World War II war effort. He sang and spoke out against racist conditions experienced by Asian and Black Americans; he condemned segregation in both the North and the South.
Like many intellectuals and artists of the time, Robeson supported the Soviet Union. After living as a second-class citizen under Jim Crow laws in the United States, what Robeson saw in the Soviet Union led him to believe that it was free of racial prejudice. In June 1949, Robeson visited the Soviet Union to sing in concert and was given a warm public welcome.
In 1950, after he refused to sign an affidavit that he was not a Communist, the U.S. government took away Robeson's passport and, with it, his freedom to travel outside the United States. The travel ban ended in 1958 when Robeson’s passport was returned to him after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Kent vs. Dulles, that the Secretary of State had no right to deny a passport or require any citizen to sign an affidavit because of his political beliefs. However, because of the controversy surrounding him, all of Paul Robeson's recordings and films were withdrawn from circulation. From then until the late 1970s, it became increasingly difficult in the United States to hear Robeson sing on records or on the radio, or to see any of his films, including the highly acclaimed and successful 1936 film version of Show Boat.
Welsh miners' organisations were among the most prominent international supporters of the campaign calling for the restoration of his passport and to Let Paul Robeson Sing!. When his passport was returned, Robeson traveled to Wales to appear at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale. He then performed at the Miners' Eisteddfod, fulfilling a promise he had made while prevented from traveling. In 1960, Robeson's final performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London included choral accompaniment from the Cwmbach Welsh male voice choir.
Robeson's association with Wales began in 1928 while he was performing in London in the musical Show Boat. There, he met a group of unemployed miners who had taken part in a "hunger march" from South Wales to protest their situation. During the 1930s, Robeson made several visits to Welsh mining areas, including performances in Cardiff, Neath and Aberdare. A number of Welsh artists have celebrated Robeson's life: The Manic Street Preachers' song "Let Robeson Sing" appears on the album Know Your Enemy.
john brown's body
Paul Robeson Lyrics
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John Brown′s body lies a-moulderin' in the grave
John Brown's body lies a-moulderin′ in the grave
But his soul goes marching on
The stars above in heaven are lookin′ kindly down
The stars above in heaven are lookin' kindly down
The stars above in heaven are lookin′ kindly down
On the grave of old John Brown
Glory glory hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His soul goes marching on
He captured Harper's Ferry with his nineteen men so true
He frightened old Virginia ′til she trembled through and through
They hung him for a traitor, they themselves the traitor crew
But his soul goes marching on
Glory glory hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His soul goes marching on
The song "John Brown's Body" is a tribute to the life and actions of John Brown, an abolitionist who fought and died for the cause of ending slavery in the United States. The lyrics describe Brown's physical body lying in a grave, but emphasize that his soul continues to live on through the fight for freedom. The stars above are said to be looking kindly down on Brown's grave, indicating a sense of reverence and respect for his sacrifice.
The chorus of "Glory, glory hallelujah" is a common refrain throughout the song, further emphasizing the message of praise for Brown's efforts. The verses of the song detail some of Brown's notable actions, such as capturing Harper's Ferry with his men and causing fear in Virginia, as well as his eventual execution. The repetition of the line "but his soul goes marching on" reinforces the idea that Brown's cause and his impact on the fight against slavery will continue beyond his death.
Overall, the song is a powerful tribute to John Brown and his legacy, highlighting his bravery and devotion to the cause of ending slavery. It also serves as a call to action for others to continue fighting for what they believe in and never give up, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
John Brown's body lies a-moulderin' in the grave
John Brown's physical body is decaying in the grave
But his soul goes marching on
However, his spirit and legacy continue to live on.
The stars above in heaven are lookin' kindly down
The universe seems to be pleased with Brown's actions.
On the grave of old John Brown
The heavenly bodies shine light on the place where John Brown was buried.
Glory glory hallelujah
This phrase is an exclamation used to express praise or joy.
He captured Harper's Ferry with his nineteen men so true
John Brown and his group of 19 loyal soldiers took possession of the military base located at Harper's Ferry.
He frightened old Virginia ′til she trembled through and through
Brown's actions caused a panic among the people of Virginia.
They hung him for a traitor, they themselves the traitor crew
Ironically, those who called Brown a traitor and punished him for his actions were the ones engaged in treason against the United States.
Writer(s): Tom Glazer
Contributed by Sadie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.