Prison Songs: The History of “Berta, Berta” and More
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Introduction to Prison Songs
My recent discovery of prison songs has been nothing short of a revelation. I stumbled upon this genre while researching the folk classic “Take This Hammer.” It’s not that I had never heard of prison songs before, but this time, I truly listened. These songs, primarily sung by African American convicts, are more than music—they are historical documents, deeply rooted in the struggles of those who built America’s railroads.
The Heartbeat of Prison Songs: Work Rhythms
Prison songs are unique in their structure and sound. Often, these songs are set to the rhythm of physical labor—most notably, the rhythmic pounding of hammers. As the prisoners worked, singing became a form of synchronized expression, helping them keep time and maintain morale. The hammer strikes, chains clanking, and the deep voices of the workers combined to create a haunting yet powerful musical experience.
“Berta, Berta”: A Powerful Example
Among all the prison songs, “Berta, Berta” stands out as one of the most compelling and emotionally charged examples. This song, featured in the Allan Lomax Collection, begins with a brigadier giving commands, followed by a slow, mournful melody that gradually builds in tempo. Then comes the “boom”—the synchronized crashing of hammers, creating a stark, terrifying sound that echoes the harsh realities of life in prison.
Just listen to it, and you’ll understand the raw emotion conveyed through every beat and every note. The sounds of hammers punctuate the lyrics, making the rhythm an integral part of the song’s storytelling.
“Berta, Berta” in Popular Culture
The song “Berta, Berta” later made its way into the film adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” (1995). Watching the original recording and the movie scene back-to-back is a powerful experience. The original version captures the authentic sounds of hammers and chains, along with the moaning and groaning of the prisoners. In the movie, four men sing the same song while seated at a table. As the song progresses, you can feel the growing tension, almost as if the wounds of the past begin to resurface. It’s a haunting reminder of the trauma endured by their predecessors at places like Parchman Farm Prison.
The Allan Lomax Collection: A Treasure Trove of Prison Songs
“Berta, Berta” is just one captivating example among many. The Allan Lomax Collection, particularly the album titled ‘Negro Prison Blues And Songs,’ offers a comprehensive look into the world of prison songs. This collection, curated by the renowned folklorist and musicologist Allan Lomax, serves as a vital record of the musical traditions that developed within the American prison system.
These recordings capture the unfiltered voices of incarcerated individuals, offering a rare glimpse into their lives and emotions. The songs reflect the harsh realities of prison life, but they also reveal the resilience of the human spirit. For many, singing was a way to cope, tell stories, and preserve oral traditions, despite the grim circumstances.
Why Prison Songs Matter Today
The significance of prison songs extends far beyond their historical context. They offer invaluable insights into African American heritage, the American penal system, and the power of music as a tool for resistance and survival. Through these songs, we hear the voices of the past, voices that might otherwise have been lost to history.
Exploring collections like Allan Lomax’s is not just about listening to old recordings—it’s about understanding a part of American history that is often overlooked. The songs are a testament to the enduring power of music, a powerful reminder of the stories embedded within every rhythm and lyric.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Prison Songs
Prison songs remain a vital part of America’s musical heritage. They stand as a raw, unfiltered expression of the struggles faced by African American prisoners, many of whom were unjustly incarcerated. Through the rhythms of their labor and the power of their voices, these individuals left behind a cultural legacy that continues to resonate today.
The next time you listen to a song like “Berta, Berta,” take a moment to reflect on its origins. It’s more than just a song—it’s a piece of history, a story of resilience, and a poignant reminder of a past that shaped the present.
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Disclaimer: The N….. word is used here only as a part of the original title of the A. Lomax collection.
