Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:58

'Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen' is a spiritual song composed by Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh, an African-American composer, arranger, and singer. The song was composed in the late 19th century and was first published in 1917. It has since become one of the most popular spirituals in the African-American community and has been performed by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, and Paul Robeson. The song is a slow, mournful ballad that expresses the pain and suffering of African-Americans during the era of slavery and segregation. The lyrics speak of the hardships and trials that the singer has faced, and the sense of isolation and loneliness that comes with being oppressed. The refrain, "Nobody knows de trouble I've seen, nobody knows but Jesus," emphasizes the idea that only God can truly understand the depth of the singer's pain. The song is typically performed in a call-and-response style, with the lead singer singing a line and the choir or congregation responding with the refrain. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a slow, steady rhythm that emphasizes the mournful tone of the lyrics. 'Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen' is typically performed in four movements, with each movement building on the previous one to create a sense of emotional intensity. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the lead singer introducing the theme of the song. The second movement is slightly faster and more rhythmic, with the choir or congregation joining in to sing the refrain. The third movement is more intense, with the lead singer expressing the depth of their pain and suffering. The final movement is a return to the slow, mournful tone of the first movement, with the choir or congregation joining in to offer comfort and support to the lead singer. Overall, 'Nobody Knows de Trouble I've Seen' is a powerful expression of the pain and suffering of African-Americans during a dark period in American history. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy to sing and remember, and its message of hope and faith in the face of adversity has resonated with generations of listeners.

More....