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02 Aug 05 - 07:17 AM (#1533239) Subject: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi Raise your hands if you have never had any difficulties in their life. Hmmm. I don't see any hands raised and I didn't expect to since having problems is a part of life. When I'm "going through changes" music is one of the things that helps. What songs or other music has helped you keep on keepin on? Thanks in advance for sharing. Positive vibrations, Azizi |
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02 Aug 05 - 07:26 AM (#1533242) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi I first heard this song on Pittsburgh's R&B radio stations in the 1970s,and loved it at first listening. About two weeks ago I heard this song again on an oldies radio station when I was driving home. When I got home I rushed to write down the words. But of course I forgot some of them. And then it occurred to me, what about the Internet? I googled the name of the song, and there is was: Something Inside So Strong by Labi Siffre The higher you build your barriers The taller I become The farther you take my rights away The faster I will run You can deny me You can decide to turn your face away No matter, cause there's.... Something inside so strong I know that I can make it Tho' you're doing me wrong, so wrong You thought that my pride was gone Oh no, something inside so strong Oh oh oh oh oh something inside so strong The more you refuse to hear my voice The louder I will sing You hide behind walls of Jericho Your lies will come tumbling Deny my place in time You squander wealth that's mine My light will shine so brightly It will blind you Cause there's...... Something inside so strong I know that I can make it Tho' you're doing me wrong, so wrong You thought that my pride was gone Oh no, something inside so strong Oh oh oh oh oh something inside so strong Brothers and sisters When they insist we're just not good enough When we know better Just look 'em in the eyes and say I'm gonna do it anyway x 2 Something inside so strong And I know that I can make it Tho' you're doing me wrong, so wrong You thought that my pride was gone Oh no, something inside so strong Oh oh oh oh oh something inside so strong Brothers and sisters When they insist we're just good not enough When we know better Just look 'em in the eyes and say I'm gonna do it anyway x 4 Because there's something inside so strong And I know that I can make it Tho' you're doing me, so wrong Oh no, something inside so strong Oh oh oh oh oh something inside so strong |
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02 Aug 05 - 07:39 AM (#1533243) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi This next song is forever associated for me with Thanksgiving assembly programs in junior high school. The entire school would come together in the auditorium and sing various songs and certain hear different poetry about having strength of spirit and determinaton during difficult times. And throughout my life I return to this song to give me strenght to endure what needs to be endured and keep putting one step in front of the other. Mighty Fortress Is Our God Text: Martin Luther Trans. by Frederick H. Hedge 1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevaling. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. 2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabbaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle. 3. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. 4. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours, thru him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill; God's truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever. -snip- Click HERE for an instrumental example of this song. |
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02 Aug 05 - 08:00 AM (#1533253) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: GUEST,HughM What about "The Mary Ellen Carter" (in the database)? |
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02 Aug 05 - 08:03 AM (#1533255) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi This next song is particularly relevant to me as an African American. When I'm going through rough times I remind myself that it's not as bad as my ancestors had it during slavery. From time to time I wonder if I would have had the strength to live during those times, and I hope I would have had the courage to try to escape to freedom in the North or in Canada. And if I had done so, I would have sung this next song as a celebration of making it through to freedom's side... Even when I'm not quite through my "trials and tribulations" {as the church folks put it}, I'll sing this song to myself to remind me that I can do it, I can make it through I can get over to the other side of my difficulties...This song is called "How I Got Over". * How I got over, How I got over, my Lord And my soul looked back and wondered How I got over, my Lord The tallest tree in Paradise The Christians call it tree of life And my soul looked back and wondered How I got over, my Lord Lord, I've been 'buked and I've been scorned And I've been talked 'bout as sure as you're born And my soul looked back and wondered How I got over, my Lord Oh, Jordan's river is so chilly and cold It will chill your body but not your soul And my soul looked back and wondered How I got over, my Lord -snip- See google for some downloadable versions of this song performed by Mahalia Jackson, and also by the Clara Ward Singers. * In current African American slang "getting over" means succeeding in doing something that is not quite honest or "kosher" [to use another language.] For example, a student who cheated on a test and wasn't caught, 'got over' on the teacher.. This spiritual uses the old definition of "getting over" meaning to move from one condition to another [better] condition. |
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02 Aug 05 - 08:22 AM (#1533264) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi Actually I don't recall singing the verses of "How I Got Over". For some reason I sing the chorus of that song along with fragments of another spiritual and what I think is a gospel song-both of which I learned as a child or a teenager. For me these three songs all merge together into one song. The spiritual is "Thank You Jesus" and the gospel is "King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away." [maybe that's a spiritual too-I'm not sure]. Here are the words to those songs as I sing them... THANK YOU JESUS {excerpt}* Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus for my journey [this word is elongated to jour-er-er er-nee] You brought me from a mighty a mighty long way a mighty long way-ay-ay Thank you Jesus Thank you Jesus for my journey. You brought me from a mighty a mighty long way. KING JESUS WILL ROLL ALL BURDENS AWAY {excerpt} All away All away-a-a King Jesus will roll all burdens away if to Him I pray [Church], He'll open doors wide for me, doors I'm unable to see. That's why I say King Jesus will roll all burdens away. BTW, I sing the excerpt of "I Thank You Jesus" along with the excerpt of "King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away" as a medley after "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" as the word "mighty" is in two of those songs and the phrase "a mighty long way" in one song links up with the phrase "all away" in the other song... |
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02 Aug 05 - 08:42 AM (#1533280) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: Azizi I can only remember fragments of another spiritual, but the wrds that I do remember have given me strength to keep on moving when I really didn't think I could go on. I'm not sure what the name of this song really is, but I call it "I'm Determined". I'M DETERMINED I'm determined to run this race. I'm determined to see the master's face . I'm determined for when I'm in doubt- I know the Lord will bring me out. [usually I repeat these words one other time and then sing some other excepts from spirituals or other songs with related {for me} themes] Note: the word "master" is elongated and sung "ma-a-ster's face" with the word "master" rhyming with "faster" Does anyone here know this song? I'm curious what other verses go with it. And is this really a spiritual or is it a gospel song? I'm assuming gospels came after spirituals, but I really don't know if there is a dividing line in years or styles between spirituals and {early??} gospel songs. ???? Thanks in advance for any information and examples that you share. Positive vibrations, Azizi |
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02 Aug 05 - 12:59 PM (#1533435) Subject: RE: Songs of Srength & Determinatiion From: CapriUni I like How can I keep from singing? and A Sailor's Prayer by Rod MacDonald (copyright 1978). It's also hard to beat those standards from the civil rights movement: "We Shall Overcome," and "Like a Tree Standing By the Water (We shall Not Be Moved)" |
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02 Aug 05 - 02:40 PM (#1533489) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determinatiion From: katlaughing I use several from wimmin's music, including A Circle is Cast, first heard on the so-named tape by Libana. I also use the "I am walking in the Light" learned at a Unity Church, though I modify it to suit my non-Christain spirituality. I used that one a LOT before heart surgery to keep my mind positive! I love the chant: We all come from the Goddess/and to Her we shall return/Like a drop of rain/Flowing to the oh-oh-cean. Another favourite which really helps was taught to me as a Sufi dance, but I've seen it used/attributed to various other peoples including NDNs, "I walk in Beauty." Great thread, Azizi, thanks! kat |
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02 Aug 05 - 03:44 PM (#1533516) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Little Robyn How about Bread and Roses - the Judy Collins tune rather than the original. Robyn |
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02 Aug 05 - 03:46 PM (#1533520) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Mary in Kentucky I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair ;-) Love Changes Everything Rock of Ages On Eagles Wings And my favorite, it helped me jog many, many miles in preparation for the Minimarathon: The Wedding Sextet from the opera, Lucia di Lammermoor (the quintessential "stand and sing" - total emotional determination and grit) |
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02 Aug 05 - 03:52 PM (#1533524) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Le Scaramouche I assume it's based on the Scott story? |
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02 Aug 05 - 04:20 PM (#1533547) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: The Borchester Echo Walk This World by Chris Wood Starry night and starry night And we were brave and we were bright And we sang with all our might The moon came out to cheer us Chorus: This will go on though dynasties pass To mark and circumscribe our listless lives The staff of life in crumbs will fall But we will walk this world with music The orchards rang, the orchards rang Our muskets rattle, our saucepans bang And as we gathered and as we sang The year came in to cheer us Chorus A perfect day, a perfect day The last of April, the first of May And as we dance and as we play The sun comes up to cheer us Chorus A final day a final day And how your breath, it slips away And as we sing your chosen hymn We stand and wonder, can you hear us? Chorus |
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02 Aug 05 - 07:46 PM (#1533737) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Dave'sWife I just love Azizi's posts! He's so unabashed and exuburant. He's one of the Mudcatter's I'd love to meet someday. I have always turned to "I'll Fly Away" when things start getting to me, but of course, we weren't permitted to sing that in Church when I was a kid because it wasn't "Catholic." I found a song from the St. Louis Jesuits to be very comforting and this one we did sing often at Mass. The moledy is simple but meditative and in fact, this song was often used for that part of the Mass. I wish I could remember the name of the author but I cannot. Joe Offer might know. Be Not Afraid 1. You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live. R. Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me, and I will give you rest. 2. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown. If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all. Refrain 3. Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs. Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you! Refrain |
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03 Aug 05 - 04:01 PM (#1534162) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Azizi OFF TOPIC Well I'm back and you probably didn't know I was gone. LOL! For some reason my Internet access quit on me yesterday afternoon and I had to go get a new modem and then follow all these technobabble instructions and here I am-reconnected again to the world wide web!! As to how and why my Internet connection went kabloowey, I have no idea {except that I was neglecting some work to chat on here-but I had alot of fun and learned alot too}... And besides, Mercury is retrograde now and I'm sure that had something to do with it {Mercury retrograde=astrology talk}. Anyway maybe this isn't really that off-topic because I sure did ask for strength to help me through that minor crisis. And I was determined to get back on board. And I did. Hallelujah!! [no disrespect intended in the use of that religious word.] **** BTW, Dave's wife, I really appreciate the compliments. I just have to set the record straight though-I'm a "she" and not a "he". That's why sometimes I sign off.. Positive vibrations, Sista Azizi |
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03 Aug 05 - 04:33 PM (#1534184) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Azizi Here's another spiritual about determination: AIN'T GONNA LET NOBODY TURN ME 'ROUN' -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'roun' Turn me 'roun' Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'roun' I'm gonna wait until my change comes Don't let nobody turn you 'roun' Turn you 'roun' Don't let nobody turn you 'roun' Wait until your change comes I say I'm gonna hold out Hold out, hold out I say that I'm gonna hold out Until my change comes I promised the lord that I would hold out Hold out I promised the Lord that I would hold out Wait until my change comes Source: Negro Spirtuals **** The lyrics of this song was slightly changed & sung by Civil Rights marchers in the 1960s. For instance, demonstrators sung "Ain't gonna let segregationist turn me around". I remember another verse that goes "Ain't gonna let Bull Connor turn me around"...If I recall correctly, Bull Conner was an arch segregationist in Alabama [or some other Southern state]. I hope someone is collecting these Civil Rights song... |
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03 Aug 05 - 05:03 PM (#1534200) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: GUEST,maire-aine I feel better after listening to or singing 'Julian of Norwich" by Sydney Carter. Also, almost anything by Si Kahn. I also like "How Great Thou Art". Maryanne |
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03 Aug 05 - 05:29 PM (#1534225) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: MissouriMud I have an odd collection that I rely on depending on the circumstances - You'll Never walk Alone, from Carousel We Shall Overcome Will the Circle Be Unbroken (not quite sure why that works for me) a few old hymns from church and a couple of tunes from across the pond: Men of Harlech Scots Wha Hae |
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03 Aug 05 - 05:44 PM (#1534246) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Mary in Kentucky Yes, Le Scaramouche, it's from the Sir Walter Scott story. I don't even know what the words mean, I've been told that each person in the sextet sings there innermost thoughts at the wedding scene. But the music is unbelievable, very positive and affirming (and it's got a perfect beat for a slow jogger.) James Michener even wrote about the interplay of words, and the artistic effect of ensemble singing. Many people know this opera for the "crazy" scene in which the soprano imitates a flute (or vice versa). Dame Joan Sutherland made this famous. Unfortunately, this has been the target of caricatures, and has turned people off from the lovely music, and from opera in general. |
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04 Aug 05 - 12:55 PM (#1534938) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: belter I certianly agree with HughM about Mary Ellen Carter. It was the first song I felt like sing after 9/11. I once played around w/ a filk of it that borrowed the tune and ofcaurse the phrase "rise againg". This is a popular one in sca circles. My Mother's Savage Daughter also The Berserker Song Some one mentioned jogging. to keep you going when jogging, how about, Ray Steven's Jogging. And a song I like that may be a little down beat, but still inspiring. When I'm Gone |
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05 Aug 05 - 10:34 AM (#1535636) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Azizi It occurred to me today that I had not posted a song that very much exemplifies strength and determination for me. "Lift Every Voice And Sing" is considered the "Negro {updated to African American} National Anthem. At one time [pre-1980s] when African Americans attended religious or non-religious events, most people in attendance-adults, teens, or children of a certain age, knew this song. When this song was sung everyone was expected to stand up out of respect for our ancestors and what they had gone through for us. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that far fewer African Americans know this song, and unless someone reminds them most African Americans don't know of the tradition to stand when this song is sung.... The 2nd verse of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is probably most applicable to this thread. However, I will post all the words of this song: LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING by James Weldon Johnson, music by J. Rosamond Johnson {1900) Lift ev'ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chast'ning rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered. We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land. -snip- For more information and online examples of this song, click HERE |
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25 Nov 09 - 08:19 PM (#2773825) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: katlaughing refresh |
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25 Nov 09 - 09:33 PM (#2773848) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: GUEST,Gerry kat, I notice that some years ago in this thread you mentioned Libana, and you mentioned Now I Walk In Beauty, but I wonder if you know that Libana recorded Now I Walk In Beauty on their CD, Fire Within. |
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25 Nov 09 - 10:58 PM (#2773862) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: katlaughing Thanks, Gerry, I have that CD, as well as their Circle Is Cast. They both have wonderful, beautiful songs on them, don't they? Thanks for stopping by and posting. kat |
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26 Nov 09 - 03:00 AM (#2773907) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Young Buchan Arise ye starvelings from your slumbers; Arise ye criminals of want. For reason in revolt has thundered And at length ends the age of cant. Away with all your superstitions! Servile masses, arise, arise! We'll end forthwith the old conditions And spurn the dust to win the prize. The Internationale Unites the human race. Incidentally Decca Mitford called one volume of her autobiography A Fine Old Conflict and claimed it was because as a child her nanny took her for walks in Hyde Park where she heard the Internationale being sung, mishearing 'It is the final conflict' as 'It is a fine old conflict'. She spent much of her adult life in the CPUSA where they sing 'It is the final conflict Let each stand in his place', but in Britain the version above is invariably used (Then comrades, come rally And the last fight let us face). Which makes her childhood story sound rather improbable. |
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26 Nov 09 - 11:24 AM (#2774149) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: oldhippie Harry Chapin's "Mr Tanner". |
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26 Nov 09 - 11:49 AM (#2774173) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: GUEST,Bobert in Charlotte How about "Big John"??? |
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26 Nov 09 - 12:13 PM (#2774198) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Lizzie Cornish 1 I'm with you on Harry Chapin. His songs, such depth....gosh, did that man know who to write! (and sing) Lots of Harry |
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02 Dec 09 - 11:08 PM (#2779156) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: Clontarf83 Look up the story behind "peat bog soldiers" ----amazing fortitude in the most wretched of circumstances--a nazi concentration camp. |
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02 Dec 09 - 11:40 PM (#2779168) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: maire-aine I have found the lyrics of "Julian of Norwich" by Sidney Carter to be very reassuring. "All shall be well, I'm telling you, Let the winter come and go. All shall be well again, I know." Maryanne |
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02 Dec 09 - 11:46 PM (#2779171) Subject: RE: Songs of Strength & Determination From: maire-aine I hadn't noticed that I posted the same thing in '05. Well, at least I'm consistent. M |