The song "Sugar Trade" by James Taylor explores the historical context of the sugar and fishing industries, particularly in relation to the exploitation and enslavement of African people. The lyrics highlight the contrast between the lives of fishermen who made a living from the sea and the atrocities committed in the African slave trade. The opening lines refer to a time when the earth was pristine and the protagonist's ancestors were young. It emphasizes the bond between humans and the natural world. It then shifts focus to the enslavement of young African men for labor in the sugar cane plantations, as well as the trade of rum and codfish. The "wall that will always remain" alludes to the lasting impact of these historical events. The song questions who should be held responsible for the injustices perpetuated by the sugar trade. It mentions the crown, cross, musket, chain, white man's religion, and the family name, alluding to the various institutions and societal structures that were complicit in these exploitative activities. The doryman, a term referring to small boat fishermen, represents those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood. The lyrics describe their daily routine, contemplating their families and drinking rum while waiting for the codfish to be caught. The ocean becomes a symbol of both survival and danger. It can sustain life but can also swallow you up. The song concludes by reiterating the connection between the past and present, emphasizing that the same ocean spanned generations. It reflects on how the ocean has witnessed both the endurance and suffering of those who rely on it. The reference to a "note in a bottle with nothing to say" suggests a feeling of helplessness or insufficiency in addressing the deep-rooted issues raised in the song. Overall, "Sugar Trade" explores the historical exploitation and consequences of the sugar trade, the complicity of different institutions, and the impact on individuals and communities involved in the fishing industry. It questions the responsibility for these injustices and contemplates the close relationship between humans and the natural world.
