This week on Murder Ballad Monday Ken explores the origins and context of "Those Three Are On My Mind", written by Frances Parker with music and performance by Pete Seeger.

Those Three Are On My Mind - Ken takes us in to new territory by exploring the political murder ballad "Those Three Are On My Mind." Voiceless killers, the chilling closeness in time, and the terrible power of the subject make this introduction tentative. The promise of more depth this week gives both reader and writer pause. Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, and Kim and Reggie Harris and Magpie all give us the music we need to confront the truth.

Folk Singer's Field Report - August 5, 1964 - Ken uses Pete Seeger's memoir to develop the discussion about the events surrounding the murder of three civil rights workers in 1964. "...perhaps this is one of the more peaceful revolutions of history. Last night I had to announce to my audience that the bodies of the three young civil rights workers had just been found. But no one was shouting for revenge. Rather, one felt simply an intense determination to continue this work of love. Afterward, people came up to me to get the words to a new song I've been singing: O healing river..."

Songs of Freedom Summer - Freedom Summer inspired several songs that fall within the bounds of our loose definition of murder ballad. In today's post, Ken samples such music from Paul Simon, Tom Paxton, Carolyn Hester, and Mimi and Richard Farina; as well he delivers a devastating broadside by Phil Ochs. "They smile and shrug their shoulders at the murder of a man."

"So died these men as became Athenians" - Ken caps off a contemplative week by seeking out the place that "Those Three Are On My Mind" holds in American history and music. As an elegy, "it's an opportunity for the singer and the listener to bond their experience of loss to a context of broader meaning and purpose." Some wonderful performances by the Freedom Singers, Harry Belafonte, Ani DiFranco, and Cordelia's Dad help us understand that place where art and history combine perfectly.