I Am Sold and Going to Georgia

This song is usually sung by the chained gangs of slaves who are on their way, being driven from Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky, to the more southern states for sale. The last line of each verse is the chorus, and gives a most impressive effect when sung—as it often is— by 60 or 150 voices echoing the plaintive grief of their hearts. This last line is intended as an appeal to all who have it in their power to aid in bringing about the jubilee of emancipation. -J. W. C. Pennington, D.D. Despite Dr. Pennington's contemporary affidavit that this is a Negro song, most observers will agree that its white origin is transparent; but it is worth including, if only for Dr. Pennington's intriguing phrase, "sung ... by 60 or 150 voices."