I'll Rise - Ben Harper

Song: I'll Rise
Artist: Ben Harper


You may write me down in history
With your bitter twisted lies
You may trod me down in the very dirt
And still like dust I'll rise
Does my happiness upset you
Why are you best with gloom
Cos' I laugh like I've got an oil well
Pumpin' in my living room

So you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with yours eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Ou of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise

Now did you want to see me broken
Bowed head and lowered eyes
Shoulders fallen down like tear drops
Weakened by my soulful cries

Does my confidence upset you
Dont take it awful hard
Cos' I walk like I've got a diamond mine
Breakin' up in my front yard

So you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with your eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Out of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise

So you may write me down in history
With your bitter twisted lies
You may trod me in the very dirt
And still like dust I'll rise

Does my happiness upset you
Why are you best with gloom
'Cos I laugh like I've got a goldmine
Diggin' up in my living room

Now you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with your eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Out of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise

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Re'discovered' this number a little after catching "Cry Freedom" (the movie on Steve Biko) recently. These lyrics may be inspired by black consciousness, but certainly goes beyond cultural/ imperialistic antecedents. In the words of Ben Harper, "This song symbolizes uprising. A revolt of mind, a strength, a comprehension. To refuse to submit to everybody. An aspiration to something better in the life. The greatest benediction is a benediction shared by everybody. It's a song about freedom."

Black is indeed beautiful.

P.S. - The song doesn't feature in the soundtrack of the movie.