Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

Among the many spirituals, the African American traditional called "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" crosses over into other genres with a number of singers across many years to become a classic for everyone.

The song expresses the sadness and loneliness sometimes people feel during times of hardship.  But it is also in a way a song of celebration of the fact of humankind's link to common feelings and the search for finding the source of respite and help.  In this case, the answer is God.  Two of the more famous versions are done by Odetta and also Mahalia Jackson.

It is performed here with a solitary voice and guitar.