Pick A Bale o’ Cotton is a traditional American folk song that became popular during the era of slavery in the United States. The song was often sung by enslaved African Americans during their work in the cotton fields.

The repetitive and rhythmic lyrics of the song provided a way to keep time and make the arduous work more bearable. Pick A Bale o’ Cotton later gained recognition outside of the plantation, and its catchy melody and lyrics made it a popular folk song among both African American and white communities.

Today, the song serves as a reminder of the history and struggles of African Americans in the United States and can be performed in cultural events, music education programs, and historical commemorations.