Erivo won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. She performed the role in the 2013 Menier Chocolate Factory production as well. Erivo is also known for her performance as Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence in the U.K. tour of Sister Act.
Erivo was born to Nigerian immigrants in Stockwell, South London. She attended La Retraite R.C Girls School. Erivo began a music psychology degree at the University of East London, however a year into her degree, she applied and subsequently trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
stand up
Cynthia Erivo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With my face turned to the sun
Weight on my shoulders
A bullet in my gun
Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head
Just in case I have to run
I do what I can when I can while I can for my people
While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night
That's when I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones
Early in the mornin'
Before the sun begins to shine
We're gonna start movin'
Towards that separating line
I'm wadin' through muddy waters
You know I got a made up mind
And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation
And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die
So I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
And I know what's around the bend
Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone
And I just might fail
But Lord knows I tried
Sure as stars fill up the sky
Stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Do you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
I hear freedom calling
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
The lyrics to Cynthia Erivo's song "Stand Up" are a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. The song begins with a metaphorical description of the weight on the singer's shoulders, likening it to a bullet in a gun. From the outset, we understand that she faces formidable challenges, both tangible and intangible. However, she refuses to be cowed by these obstacles, stating that she keeps her eyes trained on the sun and her back to the shadows, always prepared to run if necessary.
The chorus of the song is a powerful statement of defiance and solidarity. The singer declares that she will stand up and take her people with her, marching together towards a new home on the other side of the river. The symbolism of the river is significant here, suggesting a crossing from one state of being to another. The call to freedom is not just an individual yearning but an invitation to join a communal movement towards a better future.
The song's final section is a more reflective meditation on the journey ahead. The singer acknowledges that there will be hard times and setbacks along the way, but she is committed to trying with all her strength. The repeated refrain of "I go to prepare a place for you" offers a hopeful note, suggesting that even if the singer doesn't succeed in achieving full freedom and justice for herself and her community, she is laying the groundwork for future generations to build upon.
Line by Line Meaning
I been walkin'
I have been journeying through life
With my face turned to the sun
With optimism and positivity guiding me
Weight on my shoulders
Carrying the burdens and struggles of my people
A bullet in my gun
Always prepared to defend myself and my people
Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head
I am alert and aware of potential threats or danger
Just in case I have to run
Ready to flee if necessary for my own or my people's safety
I do what I can when I can while I can for my people
I work tirelessly to help and support my community whenever possible
While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night
In moments of victory and joy, I am reminded of our guiding principles and purpose
That's when I'm gonna stand up
I will rise up to meet any challenge
Take my people with me
Bring my community along with me to overcome obstacles together
Together we are going
We are united and will face challenges as one
To a brand new home
A place of safety, equality, and freedom
Far across the river
A distant yet attainable goal that represents our hopes and ambitions
Can you hear freedom calling?
The call to break free from oppression and discrimination
Calling me to answer
As a leader, I am compelled to respond to this call
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I will persist and continue to fight for my people
Early in the mornin'
At the beginning of a new day and a fresh start
Before the sun begins to shine
Before things become clear and obstacles are revealed
We're gonna start movin'
Begin the journey towards progress and change
Towards that separating line
Towards the divide between oppression and freedom
I'm wadin' through muddy waters
Navigating through difficult and challenging circumstances
You know I got a made up mind
I am resolute in my commitment to the cause
And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation
I am willing to make sacrifices for the greater good
And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die
I will persevere and fight for my people until my last breath
And I know what's around the bend
I am aware that challenges lay ahead
Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone
I may feel isolated or lonely in my fight
And I just might fail
There is always the possibility of setbacks or failure
But Lord knows I tried
I will have given my all and tried my best
I hear freedom calling
I am constantly reminded of the ultimate goal
I go to prepare a place for you
I am preparing for a better future for my community
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Cynthia Chinasaokwuo Echeumuna-Erivo, Joshuah Brian Campbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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