53 Songs About Slavery (Pop, Rap & More)

Foundations of Music

53 Songs About Slavery (Pop, Rap & More)

I. Pop Songs About Slavery

1. Oh Freedom by Odetta

Artist: Odetta
Album: At Town Hall (HD Remastered)
Year: 1962

The song is about the struggles of African Americans and the hope for freedom.

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II. Latest Songs About Slavery

1. Ice Cream by Granville Automatic

Artist: Granville Automatic
Album: Tiny Televisions
Year: 2020

The song is about a young woman’s love for ice cream. She loves the taste, the texture, and the way it melts in her mouth. She describes how it makes her feel happy and content, and how it’s the perfect treat on a hot summer day.

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2. Slave Song by Sade

Artist: Sade
Album: Lovers Rock
Year:

The song is about a woman who is in a relationship with a man who is not good for her. She is trying to break free from him, but she can’t seem to leave him. She is stuck in this cycle of abuse and she doesn’t know how to break free.

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3. New Slaves by Frank Ocean

Artist: Frank Ocean
Album:
Year:

The song is about Ocean’s experience as a black man in America and how he is treated like a slave. He compares himself to a new slave who is bought and sold, and how he is always watched and monitored. He talks about how he is not free, and how he is always treated like property.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

4. How Long Must I Be Your Slave by John Lee Hooker

Artist: John Lee Hooker
Album:
Year:

The song is about a man who is tired of being a slave to his woman. He is sick of being her servant and doing everything she wants. He is ready to leave her and start a new life.

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5. Slave Owner by Young Dolph

Artist: Young Dolph
Album: Niggas Get Shot Everyday
Year: 2018

In the song “Slave Owner,” Young Dolph raps about how he’s a successful slave owner who has all the money and power that comes with the position. He brags about how he’s able to keep his slaves in line and how they’re always working hard for him. He also makes references to the Bible and how it supports slavery. In the end, he says that he’s not going to change his ways and that he’s going to continue to be a successful slave owner.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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6. Free the Slave by KALEO

Artist: KALEO
Album: Surface Sounds
Year: 2021

The song is about freeing oneself from the chains of slavery, both mental and physical. It is a call to action to those who are still enslaved, urging them to break free and live their lives in liberty. The lyrics are empowering and uplifting, and the song has a catchy, upbeat melody that makes it easy to sing along to.

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7. At the Purchaser’s Option by Rhiannon Giddens

Artist: Rhiannon Giddens
Album: Freedom Highway
Year: 2017

The song is about a young girl who is being sold into slavery. She is taken away from her home and family and put on a ship bound for America. She is terrified and doesn’t know what will happen to her. The song is a plea for freedom and justice.

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III. Country Songs About Slavery

1. The Ballad of Harriet Tubman by Woody Guthrie

Artist: Woody Guthrie
Album:
Year:

This song is a ballad about the life of Harriet Tubman, an African-American woman who escaped slavery and went on to help others do the same. The song tells the story of Tubman’s life, from her childhood to her escape from slavery, to her work as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad.

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2. Follow the Drinking Gourd by Richie Havens

Artist: Richie Havens
Album: Songs of the Civil War
Year: 1991

The song is about the Underground Railroad and how slaves used the Drinking Gourd (the Big Dipper) to find their way north. Havens sings that if you want to find freedom, you should “follow the Drinking Gourd.”

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3. The Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe

Artist: Julia Ward Howe
Album:
Year:

The Battle Hymn of the Republic is a patriotic song written by Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War. The song is based on the tune of “John Brown’s Body” and calls for God’s justice against the enemies of the Union. The song became popular among Union soldiers and was later adopted as the official song of the Republican Party.

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4. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: The Times They Are a-Changin’
Year: 1964

The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.

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5. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot by UB40

Artist: UB40
Album: Homegrown
Year: 2003

The song is about a person who is struggling in life and feels like they are about to give up. They are looking for a way out and see a chariot coming to take them away.

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IV. R&B Songs About Slavery

1. The Party Song by Slave

Artist: Slave
Album: The Hardness of the World
Year: 1977

The song is about a party that the singer is attending. The party is full of people who are drinking and dancing. The singer is enjoying the party and is happy to be there.

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2. The Slave Song by Nina Simone

Artist: Nina Simone
Album: It Is Finished
Year: 1974

“The Slave Song” is a song written by Nina Simone that speaks to the pain and suffering of slaves in the United States. The song talks about how the slaves were treated like animals and how they were never able to experience true freedom. Despite the hardships, the slaves continued to fight for their freedom and eventually were able to achieve it.

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3. Mississippi Goddam by Nina Simone

Artist: Nina Simone
Album: Nina Simone in Concert
Year: 1964

The song is about the racism and discrimination that African Americans face in the United States. Simone criticizes the government and society for not doing enough to protect black people from violence and injustice.

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4. Watching You by Slave

Artist: Slave
Album: Stone Jam
Year: 1980

The song is about a man who is in love with a woman who is in a relationship with someone else. He is content to just watch her from afar and be happy with what he has.

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5. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize by Mavis Staples

Artist: Mavis Staples
Album: We’ll Never Turn Back
Year: 2007

“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” is a song written by American musician and civil rights activist Mavis Staples. The song is a rallying cry for perseverance and hope in the face of adversity, and has been used by social justice movements throughout history.

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6. Ship Ahoy by The O’Jays

Artist: The O’Jays
Album:
Year: November 10, 1973

The song is about a ship that is sailing on the ocean. The ship is filled with people who are looking for a new life and a new home. They are all excited and happy to be on the ship.

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7. We Shall Not Be Moved by Mavis Staples

Artist: Mavis Staples
Album: We’ll Never Turn Back
Year: 2007

The song is about the strength and resilience of the African American community. Despite the odds, they will not be moved.

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8. Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers

Artist: The Staple Singers
Album: Be Altitude: Respect Yourself
Year: 1972

The song is about respecting oneself and others. It is a call to arms for people to love themselves and each other. The song is empowering and uplifting, and its message is still relevant today.

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9. Slide by Slave

Artist: Slave
Album: Slave
Year: 1977

The song “Slide by Slave” is a slow, sensual R&B track about a man who is trying to seduce a woman. He starts by telling her that he’s been watching her from afar and he can tell that she’s been lonely. He then tries to convince her to come over to his place, saying that he can make all of her troubles go away. The song ends with the man presumably succeeding in his mission, as the woman can be heard moaning in pleasure.

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10. Wait for Me by Slave

Artist: Slave
Album: Show Time
Year: 1981

The song is about a person who is waiting for someone to come back to them. They are willing to wait forever if they have to.

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11. The Slave Song by The Nat Turner Rebellion

Artist: The Nat Turner Rebellion
Album: Laugh To Keep From Crying
Year: 2019

The Slave Song is about the Nat Turner Rebellion, a slave uprising that took place in Virginia in 1831. The song tells the story of the rebellion from the perspective of the slaves who participated in it. The song is a call to action, urging slaves to rise up and fight for their freedom.

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12. All Black Everything by Lupe Fiasco

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Lasers
Year: 2011

The song is about the struggles of being a black man in America. Lupe Fiasco raps about how he is proud of his blackness and how he will never give up on his people. He also talks about the issues that black people face such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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13. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson

Artist: Mahalia Jackson
Album:
Year:

We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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14. Snap Shot by Slave

Artist: Slave
Album: Show Time
Year: 1981

The song is about a relationship that is on the rocks. The singer is trying to take a snapshot of the good times before it’s too late.

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V. Rap Songs About Slavery

1. All Black Everything by Lupe Fiasco

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Lasers
Year: 2011

The song is about the struggles of being a black man in America. Lupe Fiasco raps about how he is proud of his blackness and how he will never give up on his people. He also talks about the issues that black people face such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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2. Slave Owner by Young Dolph

Artist: Young Dolph
Album: Niggas Get Shot Everyday
Year: 2018

In the song “Slave Owner,” Young Dolph raps about how he’s a successful slave owner who has all the money and power that comes with the position. He brags about how he’s able to keep his slaves in line and how they’re always working hard for him. He also makes references to the Bible and how it supports slavery. In the end, he says that he’s not going to change his ways and that he’s going to continue to be a successful slave owner.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

LISTEN ON:

3. New Slaves by Frank Ocean

Artist: Frank Ocean
Album:
Year:

The song is about Ocean’s experience as a black man in America and how he is treated like a slave. He compares himself to a new slave who is bought and sold, and how he is always watched and monitored. He talks about how he is not free, and how he is always treated like property.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

4. Vanity Slaves by Kendrick Lamar

Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: The Kendrick Lamar EP
Year: 2009

The song is about how Kendrick Lamar is better than all the other rappers out there because he is not a “vanity slave.” He says that he is not addicted to the money, cars, or girls like they are, and that he is not afraid to speak his mind. He also says that he is the best rapper alive and that he is going to keep proving it.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

5. SLAVE RAP by Cammi

Artist: Cammi
Album: No Love Lost
Year: 2021

This song is about a woman who was raped by her slave master and became pregnant as a result. She is now forced to work as a prostitute to support herself and her child. She is angry and resentful, and wants revenge against her rapist.

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6. Panther Power by Tupac Shakur

Artist: Tupac Shakur
Album: Static: A Tupac Shakur Story
Year:

The song is about how the black panther party was a powerful political force in the 1960s and 1970s. Tupac Shakur praises their achievements and calls for a new generation of black panthers to rise up and continue the fight for equality.

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7. Slavery by Kendrick Lamar

Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Album: The Kendrick Lamar EP
Year: 2009

The song is about the struggles of African Americans throughout history, and how they have been mistreated and oppressed. Kendrick Lamar speaks about how African Americans have been forced into slavery, and how they have been discriminated against even after they were freed. He also talks about how African Americans are still fighting for equality, and how they will never give up.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

8. Modern Day Slavery by Joell Ortiz

Artist: Joell Ortiz
Album: The Brick (Parental Advisory)
Year: 2007

The song is about the struggles that people go through in society, and how they are often taken advantage of. Ortiz talks about how people are treated like slaves, and how they are often forced to do things that they don’t want to do. He also talks about how people are often exploited and taken advantage of by those in power.

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9. New Slaves by Ye

Artist: Ye
Album: Yeezus
Year: 2013

“New Slaves” is a song by American rapper and producer Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). The song reflects on the materialism of contemporary society and the struggles of African Americans. West raps about the high cost of living and the difficulties of finding work, while also expressing his frustration with the fashion industry and the music business. The song was released as a single on May 17, 2013, and peaked at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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VI. Christian Songs About Slavery

1. Freedom Is Slavery to Christ by Abe & Liza Philip

Artist: Abe & Liza Philip
Album:
Year:

The song Freedom Is Slavery to Christ is about a couple who has been married for many years. They have both been through a lot of pain and suffering, but they have never given up on each other. They have always been there for each other, and they have never stopped loving each other. Even though they are no longer together, they still love each other very much.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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2. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson

Artist: Mahalia Jackson
Album:
Year:

We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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3. No Longer Slaves by I Am They

Artist: I Am They
Album: No Longer Slaves
Year: 2016

The song is about a person who was once a slave, but is now free. The lyrics talk about how the person was once bound by chains, but is now free to live their life. The song is a message of hope and freedom, and it encourages people to never give up.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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4. No Longer Slaves by Zach Williams

Artist: Zach Williams
Album: Survivor: Live from Harding Prison
Year: 2018

The song is about how God has set us free from our slavery to sin. It talks about how we are no longer slaves to our fears, our past, or our shame. It is a song of hope and freedom in Christ.

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5. No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

Artist: Bethel Music
Album: We Will Not Be Shaken (Live)
Year: 2015

The song is about a person who was once a slave to their past, but is now free. The lyrics talk about how the person is no longer a slave to their fears, their doubts, or their pain. They are now free to live their life and be happy.

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6. Go Down Moses by Louis Armstrong

Artist: Louis Armstrong
Album:
Year:

The song is a traditional spiritual that tells the story of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Moses is told by God to lead the people to freedom, and he does so by parting the Red Sea. The Israelites sing this song as they travel through the desert to their new home.

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VII. Rock Songs About Slavery

1. Apex Predator – Easy Meat by Napalm Death

Artist: Napalm Death
Album:
Year:

Apex Predator – Easy Meat by Napalm Death is a song about how humans are the apex predators and how we treat other animals like easy meat. The song is heavy and fast-paced, with growling vocals and aggressive guitars. It’s a brutal indictment of the way we treat animals, and how we’re the only species that kills for fun.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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2. All Black Everything by Lupe Fiasco

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: Lasers
Year: 2011

The song is about the struggles of being a black man in America. Lupe Fiasco raps about how he is proud of his blackness and how he will never give up on his people. He also talks about the issues that black people face such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

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3. Eyes on the Prize by Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Year: 2006

The song is about a man who is struggling to make ends meet and keep his family afloat. He is working hard to provide for them, but he is constantly met with obstacles. Despite all of this, he remains hopeful and keeps his eyes on the prize.

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4. Slavery by Megadeth

Artist: Megadeth
Album: United Abominations (2019 – Remaster)
Year: 2007

“Slavery” is a song by American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released on their fourth studio album, So Far, So Good… So What! in 1988. The song is about the institution of slavery and how it still exists in many parts of the world. The lyrics were written by frontman Dave Mustaine and the music was composed by guitarist Kerry King. “Slavery” is one of Megadeth’s most political songs and is often considered to be a commentary on the Reagan administration.

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5. Children’s Crusade by Sting

Artist: Sting
Album: The Dream of the Blue Turtles
Year: 1985

The song is about the Children’s Crusade, a failed attempt in the 13th century to get children to march to the Holy Land to convert Muslims to Christianity.

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6. Slave to Love by Quiet Riot

Artist: Quiet Riot
Album: QR III
Year: 1986

The song is about a man who is addicted to love and cannot break free from it. He is a slave to love and it controls him.

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7. Misery Chain by Chris Cornell

Artist: Chris Cornell
Album: 12 Years a Slave
Year: 2013

The song is about the struggles of life and how we all have our own chains that weigh us down. Cornell sings about how we all have our own demons that we have to face and how we all have our own misery that we have to deal with. He also talks about how we can’t keep running from our problems and how we have to face them head on.

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8. Masters and Slaves by Y&T

Artist: Y&T
Album: In Rock We Trust
Year: 1984

The song is about the struggles of the working class and how they are constantly exploited by their employers. The lyrics talk about how the workers are treated like slaves and how they are never given a break. The song is a call to arms for the workers to rise up and overthrow their oppressors.

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9. Slave by David Coverdale

Artist: David Coverdale
Album: Into the Light
Year: 2000

The song is about a person who is in a relationship with someone who is abusive and controlling. The person is trying to break free from the relationship, but they feel like they are a slave to it.

Watch on YouTube -> youtube

10. Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Sticky Fingers
Year: 1971

The song is about a man who is addicted to a woman who is a drug dealer. The woman is brown sugar and the man is addicted to her.

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11. Freedom Slaves by Tesla

Artist: Tesla
Album: Psychotic Supper
Year: 1991

The song is about how the American dream is a sham, and how people are slaves to the system. The lyrics talk about how people are controlled by the government and the media, and how they are fed lies. The song is a call to action, urging people to wake up and stand up for themselves.

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