Songs of the Fields: The Forgotten Songs of the Valencian Community

Abstract

Agricultural work in many cultures has been accompanied by a series of songs used to break the monotony of work and to give rhythm to the activity. Furthermore, certain facets of life in each society are reflected in their words. The objective of this study is to look at the role of songs relating to farm labour in the social and cultural context of the Valencian Community, through analysis of the accounts of participants and of the significance they attribute to these songs as part of their cultural heritage and community identity.