p. 59
First Line:
They say that freedom is a constant struggle
Artist & Tune
Composed by:
Version by The Broadside Singers
Performed by:
Version by Kim and Reggie Harris
Performed by:
Version by The Freedom Singers
Performed by:
Version by Ken Whiteley
Performed by:
About the Song
Print source:
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle (Oak, 1968) p.92, Sing for Freedom (Sing Out), Broadside Magazine #50, Sing Out! Magazine v.14 #6 p.22
There are many versions of the lyrics:
Freedom Singers (per Guy & Candie Carawan):
- They say that freedom is a constant struggle (3x)
Oh Lord we’ve been struggling so long
we must be free, we must be free - crying/we’ve cried so long
- sorrow/we’ve sorrowed so long
- moaning/we’ve been longing so long
- dying/we’ve died...
- struggle...
Alternate verses:
- Broadside Singers: dying / died, sorrow / sorrowed, moaning / moaned
- Kim & Reggie: crying, dying
- RUS: seeking / been seeking, long, long journey / journeyed so long
Authorship: The song clearly arose in the 1960's in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
- A number of sources credit Roberta Slavitt.
- Guy & Candie Carawan credit The Freedom Singers © 1964.
- Sing Out! Magazine credits Sam Black.
There is a wonderful rendition by Julius Lester as Disc 2, Track 11 on the album "Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Songs of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement" that can be listened to on allmusic at: https://www.allmusic.com/album/freedom-is-a-constant-struggle-songs-of-the-mississippi-civil-rights-movement-mw0000625437