I'll Rise

Ben Harper

You may write me down in history
With your bitter twisted lies
You may trod me down in the very dirt
And still like the dust I'll rise
Does my happiness upset you
Why are you best with gloom
Cause I laugh like I've got an oil well
Pumpin' in my living room

So you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with your eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Out of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise

Now did you want to see me broken
Bowed head and lowered eyes
Shoulders fallen down like tear drops
Weakened by my soulful cries

Does my confidence upset you
Don't you take it awful hard
Cause I walk like I've got a diamond mine
Breakin up in my front yard

So you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with your eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Out of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise

So you may write me down in history
With your bitter twisted lies
You may trod me down in the very dirt
And still like the dust I'll rise

Does my happiness upset you
Why are you best with gloom
Cause I laugh like I've got a goldmine
Diggin' up in my living room

Now you may shoot me with your words
You may cut me with your eyes
And I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise
Out of the shacks of history's shame
Up from a past rooted in pain
I'll rise
I'll rise
I'll rise


Lyrics submitted by dragonflower44

I'll Rise Lyrics as written by Maya Angelou Ben Harper

Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.

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I'll Rise song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    Very powerful poem and a very powerful song. Ben Harper did the poem justice by creating a very soulful and empowering song. Whenever I feel down or weak, I turn this song on and get my spirit back.

    rockisgroovyon February 27, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this song is actually a maya angelou poem entitled "i'll rise". but i love how ben harper put it to music.

    pennylaineon May 03, 2002   Link

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