The phrase 'read 'em Johnny!' sure sounds like 'freedom journey!' to me. ''Freedom Journey!'' is something I could understand chanting over and over again in a Ring Shout. Am I alone in thinking the biblical aspect is just a cover to allow slaves to sing loudly and repeatedly about freedom, right under master's nose?
I know it comes late, but it is highly debateable that it has the biblical history, there are new texts found that it was not jhon as in the apostel but john as alittle boy who was able to read and was not allowed to read so he doesen't draw attention to him by the masters
They're singing "Read 'em, John"... and that is because they would be able to sneak in a few "FREEDOM", John's, without being attacked for it by their masters.
Thanks to the Carolina Chocolate Drops for their musical legacy which helps acquaint people to the richness of old time music. I added this video & another Carolina Chocolate Drop video of this song to a post on my cultural blog. Google Pancocojams Carolina Chocolate Drops - Read 'em John (with lyrics & song explanation) That post also includes my transcription of that song, information about the meaning of this song and a bonus video of this song by Steve Levitt. Thanks again!
I so love this song and this band. Pure America!!
The phrase 'read 'em Johnny!' sure sounds like 'freedom journey!' to me. ''Freedom Journey!'' is something I could understand chanting over and over again in a Ring Shout. Am I alone in thinking the biblical aspect is just a cover to allow slaves to sing loudly and repeatedly about freedom, right under master's nose?
I know it comes late, but it is highly debateable that it has the biblical history, there are new texts found that it was not jhon as in the apostel but john as alittle boy who was able to read and was not allowed to read so he doesen't draw attention to him by the masters
They're singing "Read 'em, John"... and that is because they would be able to sneak in a few "FREEDOM", John's, without being attacked for it by their masters.
way too cool. Just saw them at ROMP in Owensboro, KY! This was a great song.
Thanks to the Carolina Chocolate Drops for their musical legacy which helps acquaint people to the richness of old time music.
I added this video & another Carolina Chocolate Drop video of this song to a post on my cultural blog. Google Pancocojams Carolina Chocolate Drops - Read 'em John (with lyrics & song explanation)
That post also includes my transcription of that song, information about the meaning of this song and a bonus video of this song by Steve Levitt.
Thanks again!
beautiful song!
love it
OH MY GOD IT'S KEVIN JAMES :D