There are two initial instances of Bone overhearing gospel music at a tent revival she listens in on. The first song she hears is "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (Allison 135). This is the first instance where Bone is overcome by the beauty and the meaning of the music, stating that "[t]he music was a river tring to wash [her] clean" (Allison 136). The second song, "Softly and Tenderly," reiterates her original perception, but emphasizing the saving grace of Jesus (Allison 136). The dirtiness she perceives in hersel fis caused by the sexually and physically abusive run-ins with her stepfather, Glen. Daddy Glen's abuse seemingly sullies her, making her feel unclean, and ruins her innocence, her childhood. In these songs, she discovers the meaning of all gospel music: the futility and damnation of humanity. And yet, there is the promise of salvation derived from faith: "That was what gospel music was meant to do--make you hate and love yourself at the same time, make you ashamed and glorified" (Allison 136). Bone's revelation of her own sins and the possibility of redemption, as reiterated by the gospel songs, give her a new hope. Though Bone is incapable of explaining this to the reader through her narration, her hope for absolution is palpable.