Another thing that I learned was that slaves were expected to sing as well as work. If the overseer was some distance away, this was a way of letting him know where they were and what they were doing. Masters and overseers disliked silent slaves. When they were silent, they were told to "Make a noise." This may account for the constant singing among slaves at work. These songs were sad and joyful. It was often said that the slaves were happy workers. And their dancing feet were offered as proof. But the heart has no language like the song. Slaves sing most when they are unhappy. The songs of the slave were songs of the heart; they were relieved by them, just as tears relieve an aching heart. I have often sung to drown my sorrow, but seldom to express my happiness.