Order 882811: Read Instructions
tutorthammy
paperinstruction.docxThis week we're continuing with a famous labor song, "Solidarity Forever." It happens to be a contrafactum, rearranged at least four different times, each time touching upon a major social movements that we've either discussed or will discuss.
[Recall that a contrafactum is a song wherein new lyrics are substituted for old ones, applied to the same melody. For example, the "Star Spangled Banner" - which we discovered]
So, to put this simply, the music you'll be listening to today is all the same - same melodies, rhythms, chords, etc. - but the lyrics are different each time. You'll be hearing four different versions of the same "tune" from four different historical moments making four different arguments. In one sense, you'll be hearing four different songs. However, in another sense, you'll be hearing the same song, perhaps only with a different argument to make or story to tell. Taken as a whole, historical associations of this song are are rich and varied, connecting many different themes: labor, anti-slavery, pro-war, anti-war. As you listen, think about what connections can be made between these different versions, and how one version of the song, and its unique historical moment, can help you hear another version in a different light.
[Before you proceed, open the Contrafactum Lyrics document for the texts to the songs you're about to hear, and follow along as you listen.]
The song "Solidarity Forever" was first published in the Little Red Songbook, released by the International Workers of the World in 1909. (Remember, Joe Hill was a member/organizer in the IWW.) It is, very simply, an anthem for workers' solidarity. It is also the most famous labor anthem, popping up over and over again in workers' struggles across the 20th century. If you don't know it, you still might recognize the tune.
Sound familiar? You might be more familiar with this version, which has nothing to do with the labor movement, but does have to do with struggle - a war, actually. As you listen, try to figure out what this song is about - what is the struggle and how is it framed? Take a look at the date and pay close attention to the lyrics.
Battle Hymn of the Republic (1862)
Ok, here's a less-famous and more modern version of the same song. Also about war, but giving a different perspective. How do the two messages compare - where are their differences?
Blood on the Risers (written during WWII, 1941 - 1945)
Finally, the last version. This is the least known, but the earliest that I could find. It's about John Brown, the famous militant abolitionist. Many people don't know about John Brown, but he's an important historical figure. Read his attached speech to the jury that heard his defense for staging a raid in an attempt to free some slaves on the eve of the Civil War. He speaks about what drove him to do what he did. Once you've read his speech, then listen to the song. Listen closely, what is this one about? Make sure to take a look at the date - it's very close to the Battle Hymn above (the famous one). Why do you think you know that one, and not this one?
Once you've listened to these songs and studied the lyrics I want you to write a response (two pages minimum). Consider all of the different historical issues that are spoken about in the four different texts set to this same melody, and compare and contrast the four songs. Are there any similar themes? Are there contradictory points made from song to song? Does knowing the other versions of this song change the way you understand what the song means? Keep in mind that this is an American song, steeped in American history, touching on uniquely American social issues - what, if anything, does peculiar contrafactum say about the American experience of social protest?
Make sure you consider the audience addressed in each song and the message each song is delivering, and also the imagery used to make the point. Please discuss each one and try to be as critical as possible. Be sure to synthesize the material here, don't just summarize each song without trying to relate them in a meaningful way.
Good luck!
