A Probe into the Tuojiang Boatmen’s Working Songs

The Tuojiang Boatmen’s working songs are a kind of folk songs originating from the labor of boatmen on Tuojiang River. This traditional art form has a long history. During its development, influenced by gaoqiang, a high-pitched singing style, of the Ziyang River school of Sichuan Opera, such songs gradually evolved a distinctive structure in which one leads, and others chorus. In terms of their melodic patterns, these work songs can be categorized into seven types: Chudang, Pingshui, Xiao Banjiu, Da Banjiu, Beichuan, Chuangtan Yaohe, and Shoudang. Based on lyrics, they fall into four categories: labor-related, place-name related, love songs, and miscellaneous themes. Beyond their typology, these songs embody significant musical, spiritual, humanistic, and scientific values.