The Awakening

Lyrics

Sister girl,  Wanna tell you about this thing,  That's been weighing heavy on my heart Haunts both my dreams and my first breath Hmmm, where to start, well... Revolution, it seems, has become an antique When in my youth, revolution was what we rose with the sun to seek We were fierce Now, our glory days are nothing But a page in an edge worn book,  An afro, a raised fist,  A black beret, Black pride;  Set aside,  Reduced to mere history It saddens me Mm, it saddens me But will these words fall on deaf ears? 'Cause my tears won't fill up the riverbed of resistance and change It's gone dry; and gone and unknown are the names Which gave that river its tranquility,  Its beautiful force and Godspeed Rise up out of the complacency induced sleep We need – an Awakening Bring, bring, bring the noise, Daughter Now is the time for you and your generation To put this universal chaos in order Me and mine, we've held high the picket signs,  Met behind closed doors,  Spoke out against wars,  Spoke up for Art and Equality,  Told people, "we a Community, a Family" The years travel quick, like speed of light And the torch light is burning low And my tears, you know,  They won't fill the riverbed of resistance and change They're just an offering for those who have been named – with love And those who have died nameless,  That they rest, knowing that their lives Were worth the fight; That this planet and life Are gifts to all,  And not just a chosen few The now and future are up to you,  So what are you and your brothers and sisters gonna do? "But, Mama,  The resistance seemed so futile,  When all the while,  Government and media massacre my dreams We, my brothers and sisters and me,  Are at the mercy,  Of Dotcoms, bombs that kill at least 30 daily,  The constant downward spiral of music and humanity,  A general lack of concern, knowledge, and history,  Our potential leaders and spokespeople Are chasing materialistic ideals Seems our fates have been sealed With a "Bling Bling" kiss So,  Shall I just have the violins play for me,  As I recite this soliloquy Of missed opportunity? A eulogy At the funeral for the modern day Visionary;  Or shall I rise as you call me? Will I fall, or stand firmly? Mama, advise me Guide me I want to be made ready" Baby girl, you sound ready to me The spirit, fire, of Assata, Angela, Gandhi, King, and Garvey In your veins bleed; they're your legacy Keep your eyes on the prize of Peace And don't pardon me while I preach,  Because,  Even hurricane and tsunami have spoken Earth's peace As they rose, with wind and waves, to say "Cease this increase of heartlessness, and regress" So please, please,  Beg no apology, as you speak,  The truth, move... Into the Awakening Bring, bring,  Bring the noise, Daughter It's past time for you and your Generation to put this universal chaos in order The now and future are up to you So What are You and Your Brothers and Sisters gonna do? "Mama, I still question the meanings Of freedom and peace,  But I will not retreat,  I will instead meet this challenge, head on And heart strong Sing my protest songs" Take your hand, an example And go well into the storm and struggle With torchlight ample And bright To fight Awaken my spirit,  Shaken, but never stirred Make my generation's voice heard Rewrite this thing,  Bring the noise and The Awakening Sing, sing,  Sing, sing,  Sing, sing,  Sing, sing,  Sing,  Sing,  The Awakening