EXACTLY Greg, sing it the way it was written!! There was reason behind those songs, whether spiritual, testimonials of sorrow and struggles, rare moments of joy, or a way to get through a days work riddled with hard labor only to be treated less than the family pet at the end each of day, not to mention how many songs were hidden codes that contained explicit instructions on when the coast was cleat and how to safely escape to freedom. The songs were written with purpose and is an accurate historic depiction of the way life was back than and lengths many had to go through in order to survive so for any of us to have the audacity and or arrogance to change those lyrics with the sole purpose of sparing someones misguided sensitivities in mind, I feel, is a slap in the face to whom ever wrote them and to those who ever found solace and strength in singing them as well as the many lives those very lyrics saved. I used the term "misguided sensitivities" because I think the only thing anyone should be offended by as well as learn from, is slavery itself. After reading the topic, I was reminded of wonderful documentary called, "Aida's Brothers and Sisters: Black Voices in Opera" one women emphasized the importance of preserving a song by properly singing each word exactly how it is written, no matter what language it's in, so if the songs says "Where you goin' up yonder? House done built without hands." that is exactly what you sing!