Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash
The second in our Summertime trilogy is not only a classic number from Ella Fitzgerald, but also an interesting song in terms of its heritage and context. Whilst the song proclaims living the easy life in summertime, there is also an undercurrent in speaking of the context of southern slavery in the cotton fields.
I find this a fascinating oxymoron, easy living and slavery being spoken of in such close context, yet there is a timeless wisdom contained in this song. A song not justifying the context or accepting it as a state of fairness or justice, but one in which the context is also not used as a reason for individuals to choose to accept a life of misery. A song in which empowerment is found in the choice to overcome in unjust circumstances.
Even from within the dehumanising condition of slavery, the song’s subject is able to appeal to the beauty and humanity of the other actors in the song beyond the context which they are experiencing. And it is this mystery of human resilience which forms the basis for an appeal to peace and serenity.
The song hints at hope. Hope that the child will mature from within their current challenging and unjust context to one day arise singing and spreading their wings. In the meantime, whilst their situation is one which is not just or secure, the actor is able to declare their commitment to doing all they can to protect their dependents.
What a challenge! This song is written in a context and so is not making light of the experiences faced through slavery. Yet it provides a clear challenge to us all. No matter what we are facing, and no matter how unjust it is, we still have a choice. It’s not that we should not fight for social justice, it’s simply that we also have to choose an attitude which is prepared to envision and fight for a future summertime with easy living. So, what would happen if we took the challenge as well as the blessing of this song seriously this summer?
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