Black National Anthem Controversy With Rene Marie
By Spread-Music on Jul 2, 2008 in Music News | 11 Comments | |
Here are the lyrics of the “Black National Anthem” and the Rene Marie video performance in Denver at the center of this controversy.To sum things up,Rene Marie was supposed to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” in Denver for the mayor and she decided to change the lyrics without telling anyone.Rene Marie chose to perform the “Black National Anthem” instead.The song is also known as “Lift Every Voice And Sing” .
The video is after the jump.
Lift every voice and sing, till earth and Heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening 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 chastening 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.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/cw02sW04hHE" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Andrew | Jul 3, 2008 | Reply
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” is as American as apple pie. It didn’t originate in any other country, it was written by one of America’s greatest poets (James Weldon Johnson), & the replacement of the lyrics wasn’t done jokingly as if to belittle “the Star Spangled Banner” in any way. She sung it [melodically] with pride; a cherished American virtue. If anyone found this “disrespectful,” maybe they should re-think what America means not only to their corner of the country, but abroad. Think of it as a wake-up call. Note, the song is widely known as “the Black National Anthem,” but nowhere in the lyrics does it say “black people.” So, why are people angered by this? Lyrically, the song can apply to anyone who feels oppressed; especially given the economic crisis most Americans are currently facing. The sista’ did the damn thing! Much love to Ms. Marie! Genius!
Barack Obama | Jul 4, 2008 | Reply
Keep you so-called artistry to yourself – you’re going to screw up my run.
Peace | Jul 8, 2008 | Reply
Why do blacks hate everything about America. Why
don’t they leave and go back to the more beautiful Africa where they chop hands off. Blacks are oppressed in every Continent, South America, Asia, Europe. “WHY”. Look inside and you
will know.
Univgurl | Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
The previous poster is functionally retarded.
Peace | Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
Wow what a reply.
A REALIST | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
To answer Peace question all blacks do not hate America.I am an African American woman and I can tell you that I dont have any problems with this country and as far as your comment about Africa that was very bias. Africa doesnt chop off hands its more to the country tham what you are stateing go do some research before you make a post.
Ladii Trix | Jan 25, 2009 | Reply
i love the black national anthem…not only bcuz i am carribean-african american but bcuz it also doesnt exclude those who feel the same as we do….yes the name may b “black” national anthem but it states life EVERY VOICE so dat tells u dat everybody can part-take in the song & benefit from the words
concerned | Feb 24, 2009 | Reply
I am so sure that the black people who first came here did not want to be here. History states this. But we are here now and that is a fact and we have no choice now but to live with each other or we will kill OUR country, that was built by so much blood shed, and left for us all, in the process of hating each other! Stop! Think! Ask! Is that wise for us all? Peace.
Miley Cyrus | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
I love MIley. her song are awesome. I just like the MILEY singer, not the Hannah Montana characters style and music.
Augustus Meadows | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
joe is cute but nick is HOT i like nick j more than you so put it in a jucie box and suck it
WTF? | Sep 26, 2009 | Reply
WhYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?
We already have a national anthem. You people know how to segregate yourselves with every opportunity you get and there is no one to blame but yourselves. You all make bad choices and then blame whitey. GROW UP!