Composer

:

Traditional Spiritual

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

3:00

Balm in Gilead is a traditional spiritual that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated during the time of slavery in the United States. The song is named after a healing balm that was said to have been found in the ancient city of Gilead, which is mentioned in the Bible. The song has a slow and mournful melody, with a simple and repetitive structure. It is typically sung in a call-and-response style, with a lead singer singing a line and the rest of the group responding with a chorus. The lyrics of the song are deeply spiritual and speak to the pain and suffering of the African American experience. Balm in Gilead has been performed by many different artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Paul Robeson, and Nina Simone. It has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, including The Wire and The Walking Dead. Despite its simple structure and repetitive melody, Balm in Gilead is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the resilience and strength of the African American community. It is a testament to the enduring power of spiritual music and the role that it has played in the lives of generations of people.

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