1. |
Skin
03:55
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SKIN
Words and music by Shelley Hamilton, outro written by George Elliot Clarke
That baby’s too dark - to pass for our kin
Too dark - see the colour of that skin
That baby gone - to my eyes gotta say bye - that baby gone
That baby’s too dark to pass for our kin
Too dark - when I see him I see my sin
That baby gone - it’s not right can’t sleep at night - my baby gone
Where’s the child fit in? Where’s the child fit in? Where’s the child fit in? With this colour of skin
Not enough light in that skin for white
Not enough light, that child just ain’t right
He gotta move on, walk away walk on move on
Not enough light in this skin for white
Call him a mongrel, gotta learn how to fight Better move on, walk away walk on move on
Where does he fit in? Where does he fit in? Where does he fit in? With his colour of skin
[Chanting]
An orphan of the sun
Adopted by the wind
I’m the tint of wine that should not be a sin
But I move on, I walk away, walk on, I move on I move on, Oh...
Where do I fit in? Where do I fit in? Where do I fit in?
With this colour of skin
Where do you fit on?
Where do you fit in?
With your beautiful beautiful
Skin
They call me high yellow They call me indigo They call me caramel They call me mulatto
Where do I fit in?
They call me buttery They call me octoroon They call me juju baby They call me macaroon
With this colour of skin
They call me an apple
They call me an oreo
They call me a banana
They call me half breed, oh no!
Where do I fit in?
They call me a muslim They call me arabic
They call me black panther They call me hispanic
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2. |
O Canada
02:40
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O CANADA
Music by Calixa Lavallée, 1880 (public domain)
New lyrics by George Elliott Clarke, 2017
O Canada, true home of Liberty
Where salmon leap dams and bison range prairie: Our North Star hearts glow at thy rise --
True North from sea to sea --
From East and West and North to South,
We’re the world’s most neighbourly....
Native in soul, rooted in Liberty:
O Canada, great’s thy humanity
O Canada, great’s thy humanity
O Canada, great’s thy humanity
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3. |
More Of This Land
03:51
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MORE OF THIS LAND
Words and music by Shelley Hamilton
I am more of this land than you
I am more of this land than you You may think that I have no claim But I am more of this land than you
I am royalty, and I strut with pride
I am royalty, and I strut with pride
I have a crown, jewels of black red & brown I am royalty and I strut with pride
So whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do? Say I ain’t here? Well, let me make myself clear, we’re all here (yeah, we’re ALL HERE!!)
Whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do? Say I ain’t here?... Well, let me make myself clear...!
I am more of this land than you
I am more of this land than you Look at me – I’m the future’s truth I am more of this land than you
So whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do? Say I ain’t here? Well, let me make myself clear, we’re all here (yeah, we’re ALL HERE!!)
Whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do? Say I ain’t here?... Well, let me make myself clear...!
I am more of this land than you
I am more of this land than you
Look at me – I’m the future’s truth
Now you see me, and I’m telling you – come on now We are all this land it’s true
But I am more
Just a little bit more...!
I am more of this land than you
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4. |
Bannock And Beans
03:20
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BANNOCK AND BEANS
Words and music by Sugar Plum Croxen
Bannock and beans, that’s what my kukum made for me Bannock and beans, it’s okay with me
But when I went to school, my friends made fun of me Because I had, I had bannock and beans
Bannock and beans, bannock and beans
Once in a while, I do have bannock and beans
Every now and again, I would think about my grandma When she made me bannock and beans
Bannock and beans (bannock and beans) Bannock and beans (bannock and beans) Bannock and beans (bannock and beans) Bannock and beans (bannock and beans)
Bannock is a style of bread made by Native, Aboriginal people It’s so good, I’m just teaching you a little history
It was said to me that Natives love to be free
And roam this land of Canada as they please!
Chorus
Bannock and beans, that’s what my grandma made for me Bannock and beans, it’s okay with me
But when I went to school, my friends made fun of me Because I had, because I had, because I had
I had bannock and beans
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5. |
It's A Wonder
03:49
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IT’S A WONDER
Words and music by Russ Kelley
There are people in my bloodline
I don’t know a thing about
Don’t know their names, don’t know their stories But I’m trying to find out
Cause they’ve given me my life
As I have for my kin
I give my heart to all of them
And to all of them I sing: It’s a wonder!
To slip the bonds of slavery Poverty and hate
To stand up in a foreign land And go on and call it fate
This is a kind of bravery
That I barely understand
But this is what my people did
So I could walk this land: It’s a wonder!
Chorus:
A wonder we’re still standing A wonder that we’re strong A wonder that we made it
To tell this story in a song
It’s a wonder, wonder It’s a wonder, wonder
I look to all the heroes
The few ones that we know There’s so many just behind them Whose stories go untold
So I say thank you to my people
To the ones who walked before
The ones who opened up their hearts Opened up a door: It’s a wonder!
Chorus
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6. |
Rootz
03:49
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ROOTZ
Words and music by Shelley Hamilton
I’m ain’t putting on no airs Can’t help it if I walk with flair Ain’t about the clothes I wear I’m more than what you see
Got a strong pedigree
Motherly fatherly guiding me
Oh family can you feel me, feel me
Flowing deep into the waters of who I be And as I name it, I’m gonna claim it
Gonna claim these rootz, these rootz, these rootz Fed by the power of knowing
These rootz, these rootz, these rootz
And our stories keep growing
Nah nah nah....
Different trees standing side by side Branches and rootz intertwine
A strength no one divides Generations can see
Hear the wind in my branches sing strong Hear the truth in your daughter’s song Ancestors hear me, hear me, hear me
Flowing deep into the waters of who I be And as I name it, I’m gonna claim it
Gonna claim these rootz, these rootz, these rootz Fed by the power of knowing
These rootz, these rootz, these rootz And our stories keep growing
Nah nah nah....
Flowing deep into the waters of who I be And as I name it, I’m gonna claim it
Gonna claim these rootz, these rootz these rootz Fed by the power of knowing
These rootz, these rootz, these rootz
And our stories keep growing
Nah nah nah....
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7. |
People Are People
02:13
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PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE
Words and music by Sugar Plum Croxen
People are people, people are people People are people, people are people
People are people, Black, White or Red Some are happy, some are sad Prejudice makes me so mad
People are people, some can’t walk, some can’t see Give them a helping hand if you know what I mean Togetherness is what we need
We all need to stick together And help each other out Peace, love and happiness That’s what it’s all about
People are people, no matter what country or race Even though we have a different face
We should not judge a book by its cover
We all need to stick together Help each other out
Peace, love and happiness That’s what it’s all about
People are people, people are people
People are people, people are people
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8. |
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FOR THE MURDERED AND THE MISSING
By George Elliott Clarke
Someone’s guilty of a million crimes! Blood on his hands, Death on his mind! To send my sister away, away;
To put my mama in a distant grave.
Why she gotta be murdered? Why she gotta go missing? This land is hers, so I heard! All the saints are insisting!
Someone’s gotta sink in Hell and rot! Dumped bones in bush or parking lot. Disappeared my auntie, saw her die; Exiled my daughter, served her Misery!
Why she gotta be missing? Why she gotta be murdered? Why I hear Justice hissing Like a viper in a graveyard?
Someone’s papa mapped a Trail of Tears! Someone’s son paved a Highway of Tears! Why my sister gotta stumble down?
Why my mama gotta humble down?
Why she gotta go missing? Why she gotta be martyred? Indigenous insisting, “Justice for our massacred!” “Justice for our massacred!”
Someone’s flag looks like blood on snow! Someone’s History’s a damn crime show! To hurt my daughter so she weep;
To wound my auntie while she sleep.
Why she gotta be murdered? Why she gotta go missing? Martyred in mud, slush, merde — From The Pas to Nipissing.
Why she gotta be murdered? Why she gotta go missing? Martyred in mud, slush, merde — From The Pas to Nipissing.
Someone’s guilty of a million crimes— From five centuries back, down to next time! Ain’t sorry to lil sister rape —
Or put my mama in her too-soon grave!
Why she gotta be murdered? Why she gotta go missing? Ain’t all government alert To crimes of commission?
Why don’t Parliament just wail?
How can this Parliament fail?
Gotta have Justice insisting,
“No more murdered, no more missing!
“No more homicide, suicide, genocide — No screaming words that none can hide! No more Trails and Highways of Tears!
No more families cramming each a hearse!
“Time to put the guilty where they belong — On trial, in jail, by the end of this song!”
Why she gotta be missing? Why she gotta be murdered? Why I hear Justice hissing Like a viper in a graveyard?
Why she gotta go missing? Why she gotta be murdered? Indigenous insisting
Justice for our massacred
Justice, justice, justice, justice Justice for our massacred
Justice, justice, justice, justice Justice for our massacred
Why she gotta go missing? Why she gotta be murdered?
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9. |
We Need A Lot More Love
03:29
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WE NEED A LOT MORE LOVE
Words and music by Russ Kelley
The stories keep on piling up Of bad things going down Here, there and everywhere On the streets of every town
The haters are all coming out It’s plain enough to see
So it’s way past time to stand up For fairness, truth and honesty
Chorus:
We need a lot more love We need a lot more love We need a lot more love In this world today
It will take every good person
To keep this whole world turning right No surprise, no more delays
We got to stand together in light
Chorus
We all need to stand together In every nation, with every race Raise our voices loud and clear Hand in hand, face to face
Chorus (repeat)
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10. |
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ONE AND ONE IS TWO (1+1=2)
Words and music by Sugar Plum Croxen
I don’t like it when I see tears in your eyes
Tell me what’s wrong, babe, you can tell me why There’s no need to think about it – One and one is two
We’ve been together for such a long time now
When something is wrong with you, I can feel it, I don’t know how There’s no need to talk about it – One and one is two
One and one is two, that’s what I learned in school Sometimes we need to go back to those days
Trust and feel free... with the one we love
You know, we’ve been together so long now
I just want you to know one thing (What’s that, baby?) I’m there for you (I’m there for you)
A hundred and ten percent
One and one is two, that’s what we learned in school Sometimes we need to go back to those days
Trust and feel free... with the one we love
One and one is, one and one is, one and one is two
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11. |
The Garlic And The Rose
03:35
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THE GARLIC AND THE ROSE
Words and music by Chris White
O rose, you are so beautiful, a-shining in the sun Your tender silken blossom is a joy to everyone
I am a simple lowly plant that here beside you grows I am not worthy of you, said the garlic to the rose
For you stretch up towards the sky with elegance and grace While I remain below you in this my humble place
My scent is dank and obvious, the subject of much mirth While your exquisite fragrance has no equal on this earth
Chorus:
The bird on wing did sweetly sing, the breeze did softly blow And all the garden bloomed around the garlic and the rose La la la la, la la la la, la la la la la la
All the garden bloomed around the garlic and the rose
On hearing this the rose looked down and offered this reply If anyone deserves such praise, ‘tis surely you not I
You have the gift of healing the whole of humankind
And culinary wonders spring from your unique design
‘Tis true that I seem glamorous and destined for the crown But how I love the mystery you weave within the ground So let us be companions together till the end
Delighting in the differences that help us to be friends
Chorus
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12. |
1871 Census
01:05
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1871 CENSUS
From Nova Scotia census records found by Shelley Hamilton
1871 Census. Guysborough. Household number 205. Family number 206.
JOHNSON, THOMAS Male
Age: 37
Born: Nova Scotia Religion: Catholic Origin: African Occupation: Farmer Status: Married to...
JOHNSON, SUSAN
Female
Born: Nova Scotia
Religion : _______
Origin: Mi’kmaq
Status: Married to: Johnson, Thomas
Number of children: 5
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13. |
1881 Census
01:13
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1881 CENSUS
From Nova Scotia census records found by Shelley Hamilton
1881 Census. Guysborough County. Household number 180. Family number 191.
JOHNSON, THOMAS Male
Age: 50
Born: Nova Scotia Religion: Catholic Origin: African Occupation: Farmer Status: Still married to...
JOHNSON, SUSAN
Female
Born: Nova Scotia
Religion: _______
Origin: Indian
Status: Married to: Johnson, Thomas
Number of children: 8
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14. |
Singing For Viola
03:24
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SINGING FOR VIOLA
Words and music by Chris White
For Viola Desmond (July 6, 1914 - February 7, 1965)
She was travelling on business when her car broke down She found herself stranded in New Glasgow town
She thought maybe a movie would erase her frown Back in 1946
She bought herself a ticket and she took a seat
In an area reserved for the White elite
So they dragged her from the theatre and onto the street Saying, Black and White do not mix!
Chorus:
Singing for Viola, loud and strong, we are
Singing for Viola, to right the wrong
We’ve got to build a world where we all belong . . . For Viola we are singing a song
They hurt her hip and locked her up all night
Denied her bail and ignored her rights
But even though she shivered from the cold and fright Viola held her head high
The trial and the judgment took a terrible toll Troubling her deeply in her mind and soul
Oppressed by forces she could not control Viola watched her dreams die
Chorus
We lost Viola back in ‘65
It’s been many years since that fateful drive Now we all must work to keep her spirit alive And make sure we’re doing what’s right
So here’s to Viola and to Carrie Best
Gwen Jenkins, Portia White and all the rest – Everyone of colour who is put to the test And pays a price for their fight
Chorus (repeat)
For Viola we are singing a song For Viola we are singing a song!
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15. |
William Andrew
05:08
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WILLIAM ANDREW
Words and music by Chris White
Talkin’ ‘bout free-dom, talkin’ ‘bout free-dom...
I am a Baptist preacher, I am William Andrew White And 1936 is the year
My life has been a journey full of hardship and delight And now I feel the end is drawing near
My parents in Virginia, lived in slavery
Claimed their freedom in the Civil War
The seventh of nine children, I’m the first who was born free On June the sixteenth, 1874
I got some education, and I thought I could go far
If I could let my learning lead me forth
And then one of my teachers, Miss Helena Blackadar Suggested that I study in the North
I made my application to university
Wolfville, Nova Scotia was the place
I travelled to in search of my divinity degree And friendship well beyond the bounds of race
Talkin’ ‘bout free-dom, talkin’ ‘bout free-dom...
I took the pledge of ministry, and travelled town to town
To tell a tale of human dignity
I preached the word for years, and then the Great War came around And I became a chaplain overseas
We were a separate regiment, they kept us far apart Said mixing black and white would be shame
But Jesus is my witness, when I saw the fighting start The colour of the blood was all the same
When I returned to Halifax, the good Lord helped me choose To lead the big church on Cornwallis Street
In faith and hope and harmony, we spread the joyful news And tried to make the people’s lives complete
My good wife, Izie Dora, filled my life with joy
Her music and her wisdom were my guide
She gave me thirteen children, how I loved each girl and boy And how I grieve the two of them that died
Talkin’ ‘bout free-dom, talkin’ ‘bout free-dom...
My name is William Andrew, like my father’s was before And William Andrew is my oldest son
I’m looking back from this east coast to Africa’s west shore And thinking that my life is almost done
I look into the future, see my children shining bright
I hope that they will sometimes think on me
I pray that they will find a way to work with all their might To carry on the struggle to be free
To carry on the struggle to be free
Carry on the struggle to be free!
Talkin’ ‘bout free-dom, talkin’ ‘bout free-dom...
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16. |
Hymn To Portia White
03:50
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HYMN TO PORTIA WHITE
Words by George Elliott Clarke, music by Chris White
Portia, oh Portia, oh Portia White Voice like silver and skin like night You made each song a flaming dart
A meteor to blaze each heart
Born for glory, never forget
The day’s not done when sun has set
Behind you glimmers His-to-ry Before you glitters Des-ti-ny
Come out of Truro, Lil Zion
Where Love is pure con-tra-diction White-robed Baptists face white-sheet Klan Both preaching love for God and man
Stroll through The Marsh, hear water speak New Testament Hebrew and Greek
Raise the church roof, raise it up high Catch Caesar Jesus stride that sky!
Stand statue-proud in deep, cold snow Tell Nova Scotia, you must go
Sail to Cuba, fly to Brazil
Entrance the crowds, enchant and thrill
Take to New York, hear critics praise Your voice that sets stone hearts ablaze Conquer London, and quake the Queen
Beauty like yours, there’s never been
By and by, you lay down burdens Sweet Jesus heals all your hurtin’
You go home to our Lord, clear and free – African Baptist prophecy!
Oh Coloured gal, our very own Down-to-earth genius at God’s Throne You’re our glory, we, each freed slave –
The North Star is your lustrous grave
Portia, oh Portia, oh Portia White Voice like silver and skin... like... night
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17. |
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AIN’T YOU SCARED OF THE SACRED?
By George Elliott Clarke
Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? Divinity spies you naked. Tremble or your heart breaketh.
Yes, I’s scared of the Sacred. Yes, I’s scared of the Sacred. So, I don’t fear anyone. Love shakes me to the bone.
Best be scared of the Sacred! Best be scared of the Sacred! Divinity knows you naked. Tremble or your house breaketh.
Believers can’t live forever; And evil-doers gonna die. Folks with religious Fever, Burn hot with Hypocrisy.
Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? I tremble like an angel
Fallen down, lone and naked.
Sinner, shout against the mosque? Sinner, shout ‘gainst the synagogue? Sinner, your church is a kiosk,
And you’re struttin’ in a bog.
Best pray Mercy for your sins. Best pray Mercy for your sins.
Your Pride is sham Innocence. Best humble down, tremble well: Only Love busts your jail cell.
Divinity spies you naked. Tremble or your heart breaketh. Best be scared of the Sacred! Best be scared of the Sacred!
Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? Ain’t you scared of the Sacred? Divinity spies you naked. Tremble or your heart breaketh.
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18. |
Pass Me Not
04:53
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PASS ME NOT
Music by Fanny Crosby, 1868 (public domain)
New lyrics by George Elliott Clarke, 2018
Saviour, Saviour Do not pass me by
Pass me not, O stalwart Saviour! Rally to my cry
Tally not my weak behaviour Do not pass me by
Refrain:
Saviour, Saviour
Rally to my cry!
Tally not my weak behaviour Do not pass me by
Sally ‘gainst the cemetery
That levels all thy saints!
Dismay the graveyard’s symmetry: Rouse the dead from faints!
Refrain
Saviour, Saviour Saviour, Saviour Saviour, Saviour...
Do not pass me by
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The Afro-Métis Nation Ontario
George Elliott Clarke, O.C., has served as Poet Laureate of Parliament and Poet Laureate of Toronto. Shelley Hamilton is a two-time winner of the ANSMA 'Artist of the Year' Award. Russ Kelley and Chris White are performing songwriters and recording artists. 'Sugar Plum' Croxen has performed and toured since his teens. These artists honour their Black and Indigenous ancestors though this work. ... more
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