We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Alphabet Rockers feat. Yiann and Rei Matsuno - Be Strong

from The Love (GRAMMY​®​-​nominated) by Alphabet Rockers

/

about

"When I am overwhelmed, I can meditate - knowin’ my pain might not go away. it’s mine to feel, I can love it anyway" - This song honors the self-care that kids can take on to navigate oppression and belonging.

THE STORY
A family asked us to write a song that reflects the tool kit that kids really need everyday, stating that some of the experiences and emotions our trans kids go through are beyond their years (4-10 years old) - and that they needed to hear all the ways they can take care of themselves. This issue is not unique to the trans community of kids; kids who are not supported by our schools and systems all require extra coping skills for adequate self-love and self-care. This song is for all of us. The featured vocalists are SO fresh, Yiann has an incredible style and they were proud to come to the studio to be featured in verse 1. Verse 2 features Rei Matsuno, a high school student (who identifies as trans/non-binary) whose musicality was such a match for the tune. Bay Area and activist music fans will recognize the backing vocals of Jennifer Johns, who has always been on the forefront of social justice movements with her voice, spirit and presence.

lyrics

CHORUS:
Who’s here to make a real connection with me Yea we gotta link it up now
Let’s talk, let’s walk
Everybody belongs
Inhale, exhale—everybody be strong
Try to make a real connection with me
Cuz we gotta link it up now
Let’s talk, let’s walk
Everybody belongs
Inhale, exhale—everybody be strong

VERSE 1:
When I am sad I can write a song
Chop it up with a friend bout it all day long
And I know that I’m never alone
Even when it’s just me I’m never alone
When I am scared I can pray in every way
And when I am overwhelmed I can meditate
Knowin’ my pain might not go away
it’s mine to feel, I can love it anyway

CHORUS

VERSE 2:
When I feel judged—I keep my mind clear
Lean on a friend—who listens and hears
Lets me laugh out—and shed a loud tear
Lettin' me feel—what I feel, no fear

When I’m hurt—I tell someone I trust
So they can hold me down—help me lift my chin up
Knowin my pain—might not go away
It’s mine to feel—I can love it anyway

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
I got my feelings
You got your feelings
We gotta feel them
So come on let’s go
I got my own thing
You got your own thing
We gotta own them
So come on let’s go
Even If you’re having one of those days
We can make it through stress and strain
Staying ready wins the race right now
Break patterns put the blinders down

CHORUS
Try to make a real connection with me
Everybody
Be strong
Just be.

credits

from The Love (GRAMMY​®​-​nominated), released August 8, 2019
CREDITS
Featuring Yiann and Rei Matsuno. Written by Kaitlin McGaw (Letter Kay ASCAP), Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP), Derrick Okoth (All Family No Friends/This All We Got Music BMI).
Produced by D.O. Speaks & Street Symphony. Vocals produced and arranged by Jeff Kolhede. Guest Vocals: Yiann, Rei Matsuno, Tommy Shepherd III, Aris Wong. Lead Vocals: Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd. Backing Vocals: Lillian Ellis, Maya Fleming, Jennifer Johns, Kali de Jesus. Trumpet: Harlow Carpenter. DJ: Wonway Posibul. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineer Jeff Kolhede.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Alphabet Rockers image

Alphabet Rockers Oakland, California

GRAMMY-winning Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. Created with young people for all people.

contact / help

Contact Alphabet Rockers

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Be Strong, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now