Contains texts of twenty-three spirituals, traditional songs, street cries, chants, hand-clapping songs, and contemporary songs for children, with an appendix discussing the origins of each song and showing the melodic line.

Kum ba ya -- Over my head -- Go down, Moses -- Follow the drinkin' gourd -- Take this hammer -- Bring me li'l' water, Silvy -- Sweet oranges -- Blueberries -- That's how the cake walk's done -- The boll weevil -- Lift ev'ry voice and sing -- Swing low, sweet chariot -- This little light of mine -- Take my hand, precious Lord -- Take the A train -- Miss Mary Mark -- Hambone -- Dog, dog -- We shall not be moved -- Freedom's comin' -- Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud -- Happy birthday -- Get on board, little children -- About the songs and composers.