Lyrics To Lift Every Voice And Sing Pdf
If you've ever attended an event in the United States that celebrates black culture or history, chances are you've heard the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This powerful anthem has become an important symbol of black pride and resilience, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans.
If you're looking to learn more about "Lift Every Voice and Sing," this article is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the history of the song, its lyrics, and where you can find a PDF of the sheet music. Let's dive in!
The History of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900. Johnson was a prominent African American writer, politician, and civil rights activist who is best known for his work as an early leader of the NAACP.
The song was originally written to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday, but it quickly became associated with the struggle for civil rights and black empowerment. In fact, it was often referred to as the "Negro National Anthem" by people who saw it as a symbol of black pride and unity.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first performed in public by a group of schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the years, it has been performed by countless musicians and choirs, and it has become an important part of American cultural history.
The Lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
The lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" are powerful and moving. They speak to the struggles and triumphs of the black community, and they offer a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Here are the complete lyrics of the song:
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who hast by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand,
True to our God, true to our native land.
Where to Find a PDF of the Sheet Music for "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
If you're interested in performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," you'll need to get your hands on a copy of the sheet music. Fortunately, there are several places where you can find a PDF of the score online.
One great resource is the website of the Library of Congress. They have a digital collection of sheet music that includes a version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" from 1923. You can find it here.
You can also find a PDF of the sheet music on the website of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Their version includes historical background information about the song, which is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more. You can find it here.
Conclusion
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a song that has played an important role in American history, particularly in the struggle for civil rights and black empowerment. Its powerful lyrics and stirring melody have inspired generations of people to fight for justice and equality.
If you're interested in performing the song yourself, be sure to check out one of the online resources we mentioned to find a PDF of the sheet music. And if you just want to appreciate the song for its cultural significance, take a moment to listen to a recording and reflect on its message of hope and resilience.
