"I'm not free- until you're free." Our voices are made stronger and louder together. "Until You're Free" is an anthem to empower us to work collectively for all of our human rights.
THE STORY
Inspired by the liberation theory embodied in so many freedom fighters, from Nelson Mandela to Audre Lorde “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own,” and Aboriginal activists group, Queensland, 1970s, “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” We invited several of our children’s music community to join us in boldly sharing our collective commitment to freedom for all people. This requires us to get uncomfortable, to check privileges, and to make space for more people to be who they authentically are. This is an equity movement and we’re honored so many folks joined us.
lyrics
VERSE 1:
Until you’re free - I’ll be learning bout your life and rights Lookin out for what you need,
Working to adjust my sight see
Until you’re free - i’ll be stepping up physically
Putting focus on the real pic
Taking responsibility
I’m not trying to live in a world that wants to remove you I’m trying to be in a place with space to include you
We out here playing by rules that muffle the truth Which eventually becomes sound proof
Say it loud
I’m the one standing up (x2)
I’ll be lifting you up (x2)
I will never slow down (x2)
No better time than now (x2)
CHORUS:
I’m not free
Until you’re free
And we will be
Louder, stronger, together
Time’s Up dream
Time’s Up speak
Time’s Up lead
Time’s Up believe
That the time is now - that we got the power
Stand up side by side impossible to break us down
(Repeat)
BRIDGE 1
We can make a bigger voice
We can make it twice as loud
We can make a better choice
We can we can be proud
Ven conmigo y alcemos una sola voz
Que se escuche en cada esquina de este mundo
Tú decides, puedes elegir mejor
Sentir orgullo de lo que logramos juntos
(Translation in English)
Join me, let's make a single voice
That is heard in every corner of the world
It's up to you – you can make a better choice
And feel proud about what we can do together
VERSE 2:
Now is the time tho
Yeah, but you gon need some spine tho
Yea, I mean You gon need some backbone
We lost love, it’s time to find it bring it back home Turn the lights on, where the lights at
Your presence is a present, it’s time to fight back
Stand up, stand out
Do everything but stand down
Have heart, play your part
Do what you can now
The future aint no Mystery
Your choices dictate everything that you finna see
You either spectate or you create
You’re either at the table or be what’s on the plate
BRIDGE 2
Somos más fuertes cuando nos unimos
Ser solidarios es lo que elegimos
No se trata de lo mío, no se trata lo tuyo
Yo te apoyo, doy mi mano, lo hago con orgullo
(Translation in English)
We are stronger when we unite
We choose solidarity
It's not about what's mine or what's yours
I will support you, lend my hand, and I'll do it with pride.
CHORUS +
Are we free
If you’re not free
Can we be
Louder, stronger, together
credits
from The Love (GRAMMY®-nominated),
released August 8, 2019
CREDITS
Featuring SaulPaul and 123 Andrés with Genevieve Goings, Lucy Kalantari, & the Okee Dokee Brothers. Written by Kaitlin McGaw (Letter Kay ASCAP), Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP), Genevieve Goings (Sounds Like the Single SESAC), Saul Paul (What You Know About It Publishing SESAC).Produced by Gennessee. Bridge produced by Tommy Shepherd. Vocals produced by Jeff Kolhede. Featured vocalists: SaulPaul and 123 Andrés (Andrés Salguero & Christina Sanabria). Guest Vocals: Genevieve Goings, Lucy Kalantari, and the Okee Dokee Brothers. Lead Vocals: Tommy Shepherd, Kaitlin McGaw. Backing Vocals: Sólás B. Lalgee, Kali de Jesus, Lillian Ellis, Maya Fleming, Tommy Shepherd III. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland and in guest vocalists studios around the country - New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Austin, TX; local engineers: Jeff Kolhede, Kevin McCann.
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