Song Analysis: Lift Ev Ry Voice And Sing
Jasmine Bond
Prof. Hamby
Core 110-001/005
September 20, 2010
Essay 2
Lift Every Voice and Sing, Defined
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing is an exuberant gospel song that was written by the famous black poet and civil right leader, James Weldon Johnson and his brother Rosamond Johnson. “James W. Johnson was not only a notable poet, but he later went on to become one of the founders of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP” (Los Angeles Public Library). Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing is often referred to as the “Negro National Anthem” was written was performed in 1900 for President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by children in Florida. Although the song was performed for Lincoln, I could not help but to think of Dr. …show more content…
This stanza goes on to say that as long as we stay true to God and to our native lands and origins that we will prosper. To me, the last stanza seemed like it was a prayer. It appeared that Johnson was directing this particular stanza to God, himself. He is saying that even though You (God) have taken African Americans through many years of pain, agony, and suffering, we will still believe. We will continue to because although You have taken us through this pain, You have shown us a better day as well. Not only have You shown us a better day, but You have also led us to the light through the dark of night. The last stanza of the poem clearly demonstrates what role Johnson and other African Americans feel God played in slavery, civil rights, etc. Many African Americans believe that it was God who put slavery to a rest. In addition to that, some African Americans also refuse to accept as true that society simply had a realization that what was occurring was wrong. Johnson made it clear on what he believes without having to be blatant about it. Not once throughout the poem did he mention the people who helped deliver blacks from their injustices such as Dred Scott, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and countless others. That is because he rests his dependence and faith on God alone. Although he makes no reference to the key players of slavery, he does recognize that the individuals who have gotten African Americans this far could have failed. They didn’t. For that reason alone, he is eternally grateful for what God has done for the African American race. He understands and noticeably states that African Americans wouldn’t have made it this far without Him
Prof. Hamby
Core 110-001/005
September 20, 2010
Essay 2
Lift Every Voice and Sing, Defined
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing is an exuberant gospel song that was written by the famous black poet and civil right leader, James Weldon Johnson and his brother Rosamond Johnson. “James W. Johnson was not only a notable poet, but he later went on to become one of the founders of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP” (Los Angeles Public Library). Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing is often referred to as the “Negro National Anthem” was written was performed in 1900 for President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by children in Florida. Although the song was performed for Lincoln, I could not help but to think of Dr. …show more content…
This stanza goes on to say that as long as we stay true to God and to our native lands and origins that we will prosper. To me, the last stanza seemed like it was a prayer. It appeared that Johnson was directing this particular stanza to God, himself. He is saying that even though You (God) have taken African Americans through many years of pain, agony, and suffering, we will still believe. We will continue to because although You have taken us through this pain, You have shown us a better day as well. Not only have You shown us a better day, but You have also led us to the light through the dark of night. The last stanza of the poem clearly demonstrates what role Johnson and other African Americans feel God played in slavery, civil rights, etc. Many African Americans believe that it was God who put slavery to a rest. In addition to that, some African Americans also refuse to accept as true that society simply had a realization that what was occurring was wrong. Johnson made it clear on what he believes without having to be blatant about it. Not once throughout the poem did he mention the people who helped deliver blacks from their injustices such as Dred Scott, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and countless others. That is because he rests his dependence and faith on God alone. Although he makes no reference to the key players of slavery, he does recognize that the individuals who have gotten African Americans this far could have failed. They didn’t. For that reason alone, he is eternally grateful for what God has done for the African American race. He understands and noticeably states that African Americans wouldn’t have made it this far without Him