about
This song (or at least this particular version of it) was introduced for the first time at Kaleidoscope-Gathering Festival, August 2012. It was introduced as a huge surprise "flash mob" type of thing, where notable figures from past Kaleidoscopes stood up, one-by-one, entered the circle around the bonfire, and began singing or playing their instruments after Rikki LaCoste began it alone. The recording features myself and Jenny Robert.
The original song is by UB40, originally a 1986 reggae tune, published by Virgin Records. It was originally written in protest to the apartheid in South Africa.
Amandla is a Xhosa and Zulu word meaning "power". The word was a popular rallying cry in the days of resistance against Apartheid, used by the African National Congress and its allies. The leader of a group would call out "Amandla!" and the crowd would respond with "Awethu" or "Ngawethu!" (To us), completing the South African version of the rallying cry "Power to the People!" The phrase is still associated with struggles against oppression.
lyrics
.
Sing Our Own Song
Chords:
A . A . G . D . (rep.)
Verse:
The great flood of tears that we've cried
For our brothers and sisters who've died
Many hundreds of years
Have washed away our fears
And strengthened our pride
Now we turn back the tide
We will no longer hear your command
We will seize the control from your hand
We will fan the flame
And make your ignorance plain
And you'll feel the shame
For what you do in gods name
Chorus:
We will fight for the right to be free
We will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own songs
Verse:
When the ancient drum rhythms ring
The voice of our forefathers sing
Raise your hands to the sun
Our day of freedom has come
For me and for you
Amandla Awethu!
Chorus:
We will fight for the right to be free
We will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own songs
credits
from
The Wychwood Sessions,
released August 9, 2012
Originally by UB40, from their album "Rat in the Kitchen," released in July 1986. This album contained two UK hits, "Sing Our Own Song" (UK #5 in 1986) and "Rat in Mi Kitchen" (UK #12 in 1987).
This rendition and recording was arranged by Rikki LaCoste, who provides the main vocals, and plays all instruments. Jenny Robert also provides vocals. Recorded and engineered by Rikki LaCoste at Super Moon Studio.
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