By Singing Sandra (2003)
From across the continent that some once described as dark... oh ho
I feel a vibration, feel a rhythm, feel a spark... oh ho
When my spirit is feeling low, this natural mystic lifts me so
Like a bongo or Orisha drum, deep in the Congo calling me, "Sandra, come!"
[Ancient rhythm] oh... makes me feel to dance
[Rhythm] dance, dance, puts me in a trance
[Ancient rhythm] I can't control mih feet
[Rhythm, can't resist the beat]
I was scarred by their whip, I was tarred on their ship
I was used, I was wronged but that can't keep me down
Though my face they may scorn, they crown me with thorns
I'm the root, I'm the rock, resolute like mih locs.
[Ancient rhythm] you healer of my pain
[Rhythm] pain, pain, make me whole again
[Ancient rhythm] though I travel far
[Rhythm] I, I, I am Africa!
Brought here to this land which I now do call my home...oh ho
Trinbagonian, though my spirit it still roams...ay hay
In the ghetto, born and raised
To my ancestors, I still giving praise
True religion, peace I found
Meditation when I lay on the mourning ground.
[Ancient rhythm] you healer of my pain
[Rhythm] pain, pain, make me whole again
[Ancient rhythm] flowing through my veins
[Rhythm, breaking all your chains]
Now I'm free as a bird, liberty is the word
West Indian, Caribbean, African, Nubian queen
My skin they may spurn , with crosses they burn
No, I won't be denied, there is beating inside...
[Ancient rhythm] you healer of my pain
[Rhythm] pain, pain, make me whole again
[Ancient rhythm] deep within my soul
[Rhythm] red, green, black and gold.
Ariwo Ogun ye, Ariwo Ogun ye...
So in time I learned that with talent I was blessed...oh yes
I learn to let it go and let mih God do the rest...oh yes
Ever humble, with open eyes
Though I stumble, still I rise
From every lesson, yes, I learned
Helping others in return.
[Ancient rhythm]oy...you make me want to dance
[Rhythm] dance, dance... put me in a trance
[Ancient rhythm] all them days I miss
[Rhythm, as I reminisce]
Best Village as a teen, heritage, Bele queen
Moving on, kaiso, going strong, thanks Crusoe!
Dignity, and in time, victory it was mine, memories,
Lady B, cemetery, oh Mammy! Mammy!
[Ancient rhythm] you healer of my pain
[Rhythm] pain, pain, make me whole again
[Ancient rhythm] be my destiny!
[Rhythm] come, come, come, set me truly free
Self reliant, for on an island I was born...oh ho
Still defiant, I learn to dig deep and be strong...hear why
When my critics hurt me so
Through my music, I does feel a glow
These vibrations give me strength
True libation, heaven sent.
[Ancient rhythm] healer of my pain
[Rhythm] pain, pain, make me whole again
[Ancient rhythm] you captivate my soul
[Rhythm] my future I behold
I am awake, I'm alive, bend not break, I'll survive
Not naive, aiming high, I believe I can fly,
In their mind they may laugh, still refining my craft
In my blood there remains like a flood through my veins!
[Ancient rhythm] oy...you make me want to dance
[Rhythm] dance, dance, put me in a trance
[Ancient rhythm] captivate my soul
[Rhythm] my future I behold.
Ariwo Ogun ye, Ariwo Ogun ye...
Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................
A Note From The Gull
Singing Sandra, ....Just beautiful! I LOVE this woman.
Although I knew of her work before I left Trinbago, it was only in 2005 that I really met her in the spirit. This happened quite by accident as I sat listening to a CD that I had recently purchased - "Socaswitchnine: Carnival of the soul." Many will disagree, I am sure, but for me, Singing Sandra's "Ancient Rhythm" ("Ancient Riddem" on the CD) is the only piece that makes the purchase of this CD worthwhile. "Ancient Rhythm" is the jewel pulsing and blazing out against the background of the other songs. It doesn't let up from beginning to end. It sweeps you up, it soars, it takes you back, it carries you forward. If I could command a performance from any performer, I would ask Singing Sandra to sing this song.
Looking at this performance, I am struck by the dancers' full participation. In addition to the wonderful choreography and execution, they seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. And Singing Sandra can dance!
We are all Africa. This I know intuitively, even apart from reliance on the scientific confirmation of the 'Out Of Africa' theory of human evolution. We all know this ancient rhythm and for the longest while I have been trying to find my way back to the place and time when I can be present with others to sing, "Ariwo Ogun ye!"
"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.
Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.
Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare
6 comments:
Great song, nice video. I just accidentally discovered Singing Sandra through a compilation cd and I can't stop listening to "Voices from the ghetto". I can't believe she's not better recognized internationally!!! Could you post the lyrics for "Voices...". I am african and I miss some words. Thank you.
Dear Anonymous,
I accept your delight and kind words on behalf of Singing Sandra. She is a national treasure. Thanks for requesting the lyrics for "Voices From The Ghetto". I have posted them here. Happy listening!
Blessings
Thank you for this! Just one small correction. I believe the last line in the 1st bridge should be "Resolute like mih locs."
Nicole, edited with thanks to you for taking the time to provide your correction and to show your appreciation.
Blessings,
Guanaguanare
Thanks for sharing. One more minor correction, end of the first verse, if you listen carefully to the recorded version the lyrics are actually "like a BONGO or Orisha drum, deep in the Congo..."
Christopher "Ras Cas" Castagne
Thank you, Christopher "Ras Cas" Castagne, for the correction. I have edited it. Much appreciated.
Blessings,
Guanaguanare
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