RFU reviewing use of slave song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

[GimmeAy]

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53096584

Anyone recall this lively but good-natured discussion from earlier in the year? www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3817800-Is-the-chosen-English-rugby-anthem-appropriate-do-you-think?pg=1

What do we all think now given the shift in attitudes to slavery and things associated with slavery? I think the attitude back in February was that it was ok, because it was initially sung in the context of rugby by a black player. BBC reporting that that player's nickname was Chariot which is why he sang it.

AIBU to be interested in whether our views have changed at all?

@CuriousaboutSamphire I will know someone who knows you if I haven't met you myself.

Anyway I suspect the OP doesn't know black and brown people who do lots of different sports.

Ya wanna be in my gang? Oh no!!!?

"Rock & Roll Part Two," in fact.

That was in the Joker film too wasn’t it? Creee-eeepyy

The song was written by a freed black slave. To celebrate the end of slavery.

The piece de resistance

You still want to sing it for English rugby?

Personally, I don't think the English can sing it with any fervour or meaning as they don't actually know what the lyrics mean.

So we're now banning the use of songs written by those who endured horrific oppression? That makes no sense. Surely it would be better to honour the spirit of those who wrote the song and say Thank You to them than ban it?

I don't understand how you enjoy any sports OP as you constantly move the goalposts. It's exhausting.

You said you were going.
Is anyone going to click on a load of YouTube links from the OP?

I said I was going to leave you lot to which I see has happened

They're versions of the song through the years.

If it helps I have a 1909 ish version on an early American music CD, sort of well down that mountain, share cropper, Mudbound type of thing.

Mrs - I suggest you argue against my points rather than trying to disparage my character. But perhaps that's a little to much for you MrsTerry?

I love the idea of English, or should that have been Brits?, not understanding The simple, meant to be understood by everyone lyrics of a spiritual song.

It's not like we sing anything more complicated at sports venues or elsewhere, like that Jerusalem, maybe!!

Is anyone going to click on a load of YouTube links from the OP?

Since you're such a fan of the song, you might enjoy it.

I love the idea of English, or should that have been Brits?, not understanding The simple, meant to be understood by everyone lyrics of a spiritual song.

I know right?

@GimmeAy

Mrs - I suggest you argue against my points rather than trying to disparage my character. But perhaps that's a little to much for you MrsTerry?

I tried earlier but you completely ignored and constructive discussion. Because it's about having a go, for you. It's not about having a discussion about appropriation.

But I love Marvin Gaye so that's a plus.

And it lines 'em up,
Shuffles a bit,
Shoots and...
... way, way off the mark.

They think it's all over...

And just to include a white man with an appreciation for oppression - here's another youtube link.

Yeah! It's great the lyrics have stood the test of time

That sweet chariot coming to take us home, pissed as a fart, at the end of a heavy day drinking.

Who knew... Taxi!!!

Or is that appropriation and racism in one fell swoop?

Pshaw!

Where did I say I was a fan of the song?

That sweet chariot coming to take us home, pissed as a fart, at the end of a heavy day drinking.

That's about it, but you forgot the bit where everyone is laughing at you heartily singing a song that you have no clue about. Other than that? You've hit the nail on the head.

@PastMyBestBeforeDate

Where did I say I was a fan of the song?

Well why are you here?

Just to pick at me?

I understand now that you've no clue as to the origins nor meaning of the song - now that you do know - will you continue to sing it as a victory song or a rugby song for England?

I always love on these threads how the OPs always ignore the black and brown people posting unless they don't realise they are black or brown.