Bruce Springsteen: O Mary Don't You Weep (2006)

"O Mary Don't You Weep" dates to before the Civil War. It's an old slave song which contained coded messages of hope and deliverance. The slaves use the Biblical stories of liberation including Lazarus, Exodus, and the Flood. It was first recorded in 1915 for posterity. The song experienced a resurgence with the Civil Rights Movement.

Springsteen version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tebjshm7f_I

Gospel Version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVwhBendHds

Aretha Franklin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ditHPMxHATg