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Constitution

by The Afro-Métis Nation

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  • Streaming + Download

    In addition to the music tracks, this free download includes digital versions of the 28-page lyric booklet and album notes.

    Interior design by Leslie Schachter, www.leslieschachter.com

    Cover design by Aurélia Morin-Clarke, www.aumocla.net

    Cover photo: "Camp of Micmac Indians, Elmsdale, Nova Scotia", taken by E. R. Faribault in 1891. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.

    The cover font is 'Bill Clarke Caps', drafted by Bill Clarke in 1969 and digitized by Andrew Steeves in 2011.
    Purchasable with gift card

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    A beautifully designed 28-page lyric booklet and CD package.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Constitution via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $20 CAD

     

1.
Skin 03:55
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
2.
O Canada 02:40
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
3.
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
4.
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
5.
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
6.
Rootz 03:49
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....
7.
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
8.
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?
9.
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)
10.
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
11.
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
12.
1871 Census 01:05
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
13.
1881 Census 01:13
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
14.
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!
15.
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...
16.
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
17.
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.
18.
Pass Me Not 04:53
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

about

The Afro-Métis Nation 'Constitution' Album

This collection of 18 songs celebrates the struggles and achievements of Canadians with Black and Indigenous ancestry.

The album was created and performed by George Elliott Clarke, Shelley Hamilton, 'Sugar Plum' Croxen, Russ Kelley and Chris White, with musical contributions from Brent Williams, Shari Clarke, Karen Ashton, Gilbert Daye, John Showman, John Somosi and Ken Whiteley.

The album was produced by Ken Whiteley and The Afro-Métis Nation, and engineered by Nik Tjelios (Toronto) and Darren van Niekerk (Halifax).

Afro-Métis Nation website: www.afrometis.ca

credits

released April 25, 2019

TRACKS

1. Skin (by Shelley Hamilton and George Elliott Clarke)
"Where do I fit in?" ... a question of colour ...

2. O Canada (by George Elliott Clarke)
A revised national anthem that includes everyone.

3. More of This Land (by Shelley Hamilton)
A defiant assertion of belonging sung by a proud Afro-Métis citizen.

4. Bannock and Beans (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
In praise of a traditional Native meal.

5. It's a Wonder (by Russ Kelley)
A testament to the courage and tenacity of our marginalized ancestors.

6. Rootz (by Shelley Hamilton)
Our Black and Indigenous ancestors speak and sing through us.

7. People Are People (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
Encouraging all listeners to "live and let live".

8. For the Murdered and the Missing (by George Elliott Clarke)
Troubling and urgent questions about murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

9. We Need a Lot More Love (by Russ Kelley)
A plea for more caring, respect and acceptance in the world.

10. One and One Is Two (1+1 = 2) (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
The mathematics of love!

11. The Garlic and the Rose (by Chris White)
A symbolic tale of cooperation in the garden.

12 and 13. '1871 Census' and '1881 Census' (by Shelley Hamilton)
Direct historical evidence of the Afro-Métis reality: the blending of Black and Indigenous families.

14. Singing for Viola (by Chris White)
In praise of Nova Scotian entrepreneur and civil rights champion, Viola Desmond (1914-1965).

15. William Andrew (by Chris White)
The story of Rev. Capt. Dr. William Andrew White II (1874-1936), the son of slaves.

16. Hymn to Portia White (by George Elliott Clarke and Chris White)
Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Canadian contralto, Portia May White (1911-1968).

17. Ain't You Scared of the Sacred? (by George Elliott Clarke)
An invitation to look inwards on questions of justice and morality.

18. Pass Me Not (by George Elliott Clarke)
A heartfelt prayer for spiritual recognition.

CREDITS

George Elliott Clarke - Lead Vocals/Spoken Word: 1,2,8,16,17,18. Backing Vocals: 1,3.

Sugar Plum Croxen - Lead Vocals: 4,7,10. Backing Vocals: 1,4,6,7,11,14,15. Ukulele: 7. Guitar: 4,10. Drums: 3,6,9,10. Conga Drums: 4,7,10. Shakers: 10. Bass: 10.

Russ Kelley - Lead Vocals: 5,9. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,7,11,14,15,18. Guitar: 2,5,9.

Shelley Hamilton - Lead Vocals: 1,2,3,6,8,10,12,13. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,18. Ukulele: 3,6. Spoons: 4.

Chris White - Lead Vocals: 11,14,15,16. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,7,11,14,15,18. Guitar: 11,14,15,16.

Karen Ashton - Electric Guitar: 3, 14. Backing Vocals: 3.

Shari Clarke - Flute: 12. Violin: 1,10,13. Nickelharpa: 17. Backing Vocals: 1,3.

Gilbert Daye - Conga Drums: 1,5,14. Bass: 9.

John Somosi - Native Drum: 1,8,15. Backing Vocals: 15.

John Showman - Violin: 11,14,16.

Ken Whiteley - Vibraphone: 6. Bass: 3,5,6,15,16,18. Guitar: 6. Banjo: 15. Tambourine: 5. Slide Guitar: 3. Organ: 9,10,18. Piano: 18. Washtub Bass: 4.

Brent Williams - Backing Vocals: 11,14.

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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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