Ten Million Slaves

Otis Taylor's song 'Ten Million Slaves' is a poignant and haunting reflection on the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact on history and humanity. The lyrics evoke a sense of sorrow and remembrance for the millions of African slaves who were forcibly taken from their homeland and transported across the ocean in brutal conditions. The repetition of the phrase 'Ten million slaves crossed that ocean, they had shackles on their legs' serves as a stark reminder of the physical and psychological chains that bound these individuals, stripping them of their freedom and humanity.

The imagery of 'rain and fire' crossing the ocean and the mention of a 'mad man' striking again suggests a cyclical nature of violence and oppression, hinting at the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by descendants of slaves. The fallout shelter metaphorically represents a place of refuge and contemplation, where the narrator reflects on the past atrocities and the resilience of those who endured such suffering. The act of painting the walls twice a week could symbolize an attempt to cover up or cope with the painful memories and scars left by this dark chapter in history.

The song also touches on the uncertainty and disorientation experienced by the slaves, as they were torn from their familiar surroundings and thrust into an unknown and hostile world. The repeated lines 'Don't know where, where they're going, don't know where, where they've been' emphasize the loss of identity and direction. The final verses, with the sun going out and standing alone, evoke a sense of isolation and abandonment, underscoring the lasting emotional and psychological impact of slavery. Through its evocative lyrics and somber tone, 'Ten Million Slaves' serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and the importance of remembering and honoring those who suffered.