Rocka My Soul

Introduction:
● Briefly introduce the song: "Rocka my Soul" is a traditional African-
American spiritual.
Historical Context:
● Provide a bit of historical context: Explain that African-American spirituals
like this one emerged during times of hardship and oppression, serving as
expressions of faith, hope, and resilience among enslaved African
Americans.
Meaning of the Song:
● Discuss the meaning behind the lyrics: "Rocka my Soul" is a metaphorical
expression of finding comfort and solace in the afterlife, specifically in the
care of Abraham, a figure revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Musical Elements:
● Break down the musical elements of the song:

DO: Rhythm: It has a lively, upbeat rhythm with a strong emphasis

on clapping (2/4) and foot stomping 1 and 3)

DO: Call and Response: Emphasize the call and response structure
commonly found in spirituals, where a leader sings a line and the
group responds.

Teach the Lyrics: Go through the lyrics line by line, singing each one
and having the participants repeat after you.

Demonstration:
● Perform a full run-through of the song, encouraging participants to join in.
● Emphasize the importance of singing with energy and enthusiasm.
Practice:
● Give participants the opportunity to practice singing the song together,
repeating it multiple times until they feel comfortable.
Conclusion:
● Wrap up the session by reinforcing the significance of the song as a
source of spiritual upliftment and community bonding.
● Encourage participants to continue singing and sharing the song with
others.