What is “Rise Up” about?
"Rise Up" is a collective anthem that draws on Coretta Scott King and Fannie Lou Hamer, treating every morning of breathing as "a protest and a vow." Its verses move from being put in the basement to building an elevator out of the lessons of the past, and the bridge hands the mission to the listeners themselves. Track three on Baldwin Bus Receipt, it widens the album's opening run from personal drive to shared uplift.
Rise Up lyrics
Coretta knew the cost of standing up and speaking loud
Now I carry torches for the ones who made us proud
Every morning breathing is a protest and a vow
Rise up from the ashes watch me show you how
They put us in the basement but the ceiling couldn't last
Built a elevator with the lessons of the past
Moving at the speed of light reflecting on the glass
Rise up from the struggle let the glory hold you fast
Rise up rise up from the ground
We been down but we ain't staying down
Rise up rise up hear the sound
Every step we take is shaking ground
Fannie Lou was tired so she changed the game forever
Now I'm at the table turning pressure into treasure
Every single struggle is a setup getting better
Rise up with the people and the bond won't sever
Look around the city there's a movement in the air
Something beautiful is building and it's starting everywhere
Gold inside the people not the things they choose to wear
Rise up is a promise that the future is our prayer
Rise up rise up from the ground
We been down but we ain't staying down
Rise up rise up hear the sound
Every step we take is shaking ground
We are the ones we been waiting for
Open every locked door
Rise up rise up from the ground
We been down but we ain't staying down
Rise up rise up hear the sound
Every step we take is shaking ground