Part of the American music scene over the years has been songs like I’ve Been Workin on the Railroad, which is largely regarded as a kids song today, but was very much a “work song” back in the day. “Slave music” was the foundation for almost all the American music that we now know…slave music gave birth to black gospel and blues, both of which have shaped our jazz, rock, and country music landcapes ever since, and even now. You can’t avoid this stuff when you are talking about or teaching American music appreciation.

Another thing to remember is that all kinds of children’s stuff has its origins in horrific things. Rock a Bye Baby…Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, right on up to Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry. Lots of things that used to be acceptable (whether it was really a good idea or not) for children, are NOT considered acceptable anymore. Sometimes I think we are just a bit too sensitive.

Just because it was music written during or about oppressive times, doesn’t mean it’s bad music and doesn’t make it worthless in the classroom. In fact, it might springboard some very basic discussion about tolerance if your wife wants to work that in. It would really depend on how she did it…if she chooses to use the music at all. Of course I would hope that if she is really offended she wouldn’t have to.

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