That’s Why Darkies Were Born by Kate Smith (1931)
The popular song That’s Why Darkie Were Born written by Ray Henderson and Lew Brown, originally in George White's Scandals of 1931 where white baritone Everett Marshall performed in the blackface. In 1931, the song was recorded by singer Kate Smith. [1]
Key Lyrics
Brothers, sisters, when this world began
There was work to be done
And it seemed that someone
Left it to the colored man
Brothers, sisters, what must be, must be
Though the balance is wrong
Still your faith must be strong
Accept your destiny
Brothers, listen to me...
Someone had to pick the cotton
Someone had to pick the corn
Someone had to slave and be able to sing
That's why darkies were born
Someone had to laugh at trouble
Though he was tired and worn
Had to be contented with any old thing
That's why darkies were born [2]
Controversy
This was part of a musical genre where African American depicted as "fated to work the land, fated to be where they are, to never change," which leads the song described as a satirical view of racism, though no historians found the evidence that this song performed in satirical or joking way. However, in the early 1930s African-American audiences criticized the song as racist song, where Mildred Bailey received many letters to stop performing the song. [3]
Black Empowerment
Though the song sparked controversy upon its release, the message, in fact of this song is actually the opposite of racism. It is about the plight of black slave and how they overcome the oppression and weariness of slavery. This depicts despite being destined to become a slave, the black man learned to laugh at his lowest point, this also to teach white man to sing as well along with his song(s). [4]
References
- ↑ That's Why Darkies Were Born. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 21, 2021
- ↑ That’s Why Darkies Were Born Kate Smith. Genius. Retrieved January 21, 2021
- ↑ That's Why Darkies Were Born. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 21, 2021
- ↑ Hanak, Dr. James. Kate Smith didn’t denigrate black people | Opinion. Pennlive. April 26, 2019. January 21, 2021