The Awakening

Sister girl
Wanna tell you about this thing
That's been weighing heavy on my heart
Haunts both my dreams and my first breath
Hmmm where to start, well..

Revolution it seems has become an antique
When in my youth
Revolution was what we rose
With the sun to seek we were fierce
Now, our glory days are nothing
But a page in an edge worn book

An afro
A raised fist
A black beret
Black pride
Set aside
Reduced to mere history

It saddens me
Mm
It saddens me

But will these words fall on deaf ears
Cos my tears won't fill up the riverbed of resistance and change
It's gone dry and gone and unknown are the names
Which gave that river its tranquility, its beautiful force and godspeed
Rise up out of the complacency induced sleep we need
An Awakening

Bring, bring, bring the noise
Daughter now is the time for you and your generation
To put this universal chaos in order
Me and mine, we held high the picket signs
Met behind closed doors spoke out against war
Spoke up for art and equality
Told people we are a community, a family
The years travel quick like speed of light
And the torch light is burning low
And my tears you know they won't fill
The riverbed of resistance and change
They are just an offering for those who have been named
With love and those who had died
That they rest knowing that their lives
Were worth the fight that this planet and life
Are gifts to all not just a chosen few

But now our future are up to you
So what are you and your brothers and sisters gonna do?

But Mama
The resistance seemed so futile
When all the while
Government and media massacre my dreams
We, my brothers and sisters and me
Are at the mercy of, Dotcoms
Bombs that kill at least 30 daily
The constant downward spiral of music and humanity
A general lack of concern, knowledge and history

Our potential leaders and spokespeople are chasing materialistic ideals
Seems our fates have been sealed with a Bling Bling kiss
So
Shall i just have the violins play for me
As i recite this soliloquy of missed opportunity
A eulogy at the funeral for the modern day visionary
Or shall i rise as you call me
Will i fall or stand firmly?

Mama
Advise me
Guide me
I want to be made ready

Baby girl
You sound ready to me
The spirit, fire, of Assada, Angela, Ghandi, King and Garvey
In your veins bleed for your legacy
Keep the eyes on the prize of peace
And don't pardon me while i preach
Because

Even hurricane and tsunami have spoken earths peace
As they rose, with wind and waves to say
'cease this increase of heartlessness and regress'

So please, please
Beg no apology
As you speak for truth
Move
Into the Awakening
Bring, bring
Bring the noise daughter
Its past time for you and your generation
To put this universal chaos in order
The now and future are up to you
So what are you and your brothers and sisters gonna do?

Mama
I still question the meanings of freedom and peace
But i will not retreat
I will instead meet this challenge
Head on and heart strong
Sing. my protest songs
Take your hand and example
And go well into the storm and struggle
With torchlight ample and bright
To fight

Awaken my spirit
Shaken but never stirred
Make my generations voice heard
Rewrite this thing
Bring the noise and the Awakening
Sing