Boycotts, marches, and sit-ins defined the nonviolent strategy of the civil rights movement. People often sang as they marched. They sang as they waited for speakers to begin. “We Shall Overcome”  became the theme song. African Americans also continued the African tradition of improvisation in music. The lyrics in “Oh Freedom” were altered to include lines such as, “No segregation, over me,” “No more dogs biting me,” “Nothing but freedom over me,” and “No more shooting over me.” In “Come Bah Yah” they sang “We need freedom, Lord. . . We need justice, Lord.” Have students listen to these songs or other songs from the civil rights movement such as “Get on Board Children” and write down a lyric from each one. You may also opt to use the Lyric Analysis worksheet.

Discuss the following questions:

• What do the songs mean, in your opinion?
• What are the similarities between the songs? Differences?
• Why and how can singing create a sense of unity?