Still I Rise

Program Notes:

Commissioned by Vox Femina for their 2004 ACDA performance.

Text:

Though I have been wounded; aching heart, full of pain (Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
Just like a budding rose, my bloom is nourished by rain (Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
Haven′t time to wonder why, though fearful I strive (Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
My prayer and faith uphold me ‘til my courage arrives (Still I rise, yes, still I rise)

Still I rise as an eagle, soaring above every fear
With each day I succeed, I grow strong and believe
That it′s all within my reach, I’m reaching for the skies
Bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise
Yes, it’s all within my reach, I′m reaching for the skies
Yes still I rise

Gentle as a woman; tender sweet are my sighs
(Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
Strength is in my tears and healing rains in my cries
(Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
Plunging depths of anguish, I determine to strive
(Still I rise, yes, still I rise)
My prayer and faith uphold me ′til my courage arrives
(Still I rise, yes, still I rise)

Though you see me slump with heartache
Heart so heavy that it breaks
Be not deceived I fly on birds’ wings
Rising sun, its healing rays

Look at me, you see a woman
Gentle as a butterfly
But don′t you think, not for one moment
That I’m not strong because I cry

Yes, still I rise as an eagle, soaring above every fear
With each day I succeed, I grow strong and believe
That it′s all within my reach, I’m reaching for the skies
Bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise
Yes, it’s all within my reach, I′m reaching for the skies
Higher and higher, yes, still I rise
Yes, it’s all within my reach
I′m reaching for the skies
Yes, still I rise!

Text Source

Rosephanye Powell