The Complicated Legacy of “My Old Kentucky Home”
The Anti-Slavery Roots of a Kentucky Anthem
Each year at the Kentucky Derby, the familiar tune “My Old Kentucky Home” fills the air. But its original meaning has been lost to time. Stephen Foster, the song’s composer, wrote it in the 1850s as an anti-slavery anthem, inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
The song depicts the pain of an enslaved family torn apart. The opening scene echoes Stowe’s novel, where a slave trader argues that black people lack the same emotions as whites. “My Old Kentucky Home” challenges this racist thinking, emphasizing the humanity and close family ties of the enslaved.
The Song’s Journey Through History
By the 20th century, “My Old Kentucky Home” had become popular among white audiences at minstrel shows. The most mournful lyrics, which spoke of separation and sale, were often omitted. Instead, audiences focused on the song’s first verse and chorus, which depicted a happy home on a plantation.
The song became an anthem for Kentucky tourism, but its anti-slavery meaning was obscured. In 1916, the NAACP succeeded in having it banned from public schools due to its “plantation melodies.” In 1928, the Kentucky legislature adopted it as the official state song, despite its controversial lyrics.
The Racial Slur and the Debate Over the Song
Foster’s original lyrics included a racial slur that no one would use today. As the song’s popularity grew, so did objections to its use. In 1986, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed a resolution removing the slur.
However, the song’s racial connotations remained. Members of Louisville’s black community have called for its cancellation, citing its association with Kentucky’s past of slavery and the recent police killing of Breonna Taylor.
The Enduring Legacy
Despite its controversial history, “My Old Kentucky Home” continues to be performed at Kentucky events, but with revised lyrics that remove the racial slur. Nevertheless, the song’s original anti-slavery intent has been largely forgotten.
The Impact of Stephen Foster’s Music
Stephen Foster was America’s first professional songwriter. His music blended elements of minstrelsy and parlor songs, creating a unique American style. Songs like “My Old Kentucky Home” and “Oh! Susanna” helped shape the sound of American popular music.
Foster’s music also played a role in promoting cultural (mis)appropriations. He depicted black people as real, suffering human beings, but his songs often perpetuated stereotypes that would later be used in racist caricatures.
The Ongoing Debate
The debate over “My Old Kentucky Home” reflects the ongoing struggle to reconcile the past with the present. The song’s original anti-slavery message is a reminder of the horrors of slavery, but its use as a symbol of Kentucky’s heritage has made it difficult to fully acknowledge its problematic history.
As the United States continues to grapple with its racial past, the debate over “My Old Kentucky Home” will likely continue. It is a reminder that even the most beloved songs can carry a complicated legacy.
