Slavery is an important part of American history. It is intriguing to not only learn about the history of slavery, but it is extremely important to learn about the daily lives of slaves as well. Slave songs were more than simply songs that were sang as slaves worked. These songs were sometimes a source of inspiration and hope. Other times the songs could be used as a way to communicate to one another or as a form of protest against the conditions of slavery. It is equally as enlightening to read the slave narratives. Although these narratives are not all inclusive, they are some of the best sources we have today to analyze slave life from the perspective of the slave.