Lift Every Voice and Sing Explained

Рет қаралды 68,668

Күн бұрын

Hey everyone! American History Geek here. I am a huge history fan, but I primarily focus on American history related content. Overall I produce commentary-style videos that discuss common questions, news, and explanations regarding historical events in United States history.
I try to upload a video or more per week and I put all my effort into each one to produce the best content for American history fans like myself.
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American History Geek: www.shorturl.at/iBDKZ
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" Quiz (Designed for teachers and students):
forms.gle/HBr2LWgLHhQKnbVh9
Have a question, comment, or concern? Feel free to shoot me an e-mail!
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Thanks for watching!
Music Made By John Rosamond Johnson
This video is dedicated in memory of James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, two iconic American Heroes who changed the course of History for the better!!
#LiftEveryVoice #AmericanHistory

Пікірлер: 138

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

Slight correction: The video mentions that Reconstruction Efforts were dismantled at the end of the 20th century, when we meant to say that they were being dismantled at the end of the 19th century. Thank you to Evelyn Rodgers for pointing this out!

@tedhutnik9692 2 жыл бұрын

So he was a poet, a school principal and a lawyer, but he was opposed? Who held HIM back?

@Favorites227 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this wonderful video.

@americanhistorygeek1926 Жыл бұрын

@@Favorites227 Of course, thank you for your kind comment!

@smolGoddess 21 күн бұрын

na there still being dismantled

@acarson08 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the leap in doing a video on such a sacred song to African Americans. In these political times, anything that brings understanding and enlightenment to all peoples, is greatly appreciated.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!

@bonitab7881 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. You had enough patience to explain the entire history behind our powerful anthem. I feel every American citizen should take the time to watch this. Great job! Thank you! 💯✔️👌🏽🤗

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, happy to hear that you appreciated and enjoyed the video!

@coolbluepistol2529 2 жыл бұрын

If more Americans understood this, people really wouldn’t be so negative about this song. It’s a very patriotic song.

@lakersfan3269 2 жыл бұрын

People don’t actually want to do research. Just hear some news report that says it’s unpatriotic and their mind is made up

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, it's a very beautiful and American song in nature!

@oyaami1874 2 жыл бұрын

They understand they just don't care. It is a challenge to white supremacy and they don't like it.

@theaprilfool1109 2 жыл бұрын

I think it’s more that people think there shouldn’t be a black anthem. Because when people come to this country they aren’t black or white anymore. We are all American

@dianeskyuser7016 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately there is still too much racism and ignorance in this country

@coachqueena6738 3 жыл бұрын

This was amazing. Thank you for taking time to analyze the stanzas to help educate. Thank you!

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

Of course, it's a truly beautiful song! I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the video! 🙂

@hereigoagain5050 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best songs of all time. Thanks for posting. It can also be heard as a song about transcending the human condition, while recognizing that slavery was pure evil.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

I agree and thank you for your insight!!

@shirleycherry6847 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. You clarified the most IMPORTANT INFORMATION, related to the words of this extremely lifting song

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@alistairlee7604 2 жыл бұрын

Although my comment is late, I remembered singing this song at a Catholic church when I was in secondary school in California. It's very melodic and memorable.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice story, thanks for sharing!!

@ladytsuki6652 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not the religious type but I hold this song close to my heart as a black woman

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

It is a truly beautiful song, I really hope it gets more of the recognition that it so rightfully deserves!

@DanielinLaTuna 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a Latino man, but I stand with my black brothers and sisters and hold this song closely. We sing it at my church.

@benpurcell4935 2 жыл бұрын

This song holds great historical value though a bit too religious in some aspects. There’s nothing wrong with the religious aspects those parts add color. I am non religious and can understand that this song has value to it.

@anthonycollins3430 Жыл бұрын

What type are you?

@anthonycollins3430 Жыл бұрын

@@benpurcell4935 Religion is not the objective, this song acknowledged our history. That's why it's National Black Anthem.

@cheskydivision 2 ай бұрын

Every child in Detroit schools learned this song in the 70’s. Love this song.

@anaguerra7451 22 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for the detailed analysis. Being a foreign teacher it has helped me a lot to educate my students on the history of the US.

@mjct2128 3 жыл бұрын

This video was assigned for me to watch by my music teacher. Thank you for informing me!😊

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! I'm happy you hear that you enjoyed the video! 🙂

@wildcat77 2 жыл бұрын

As a native of Jacksonville, FL this video has much significance to me and is very much appreciated. The educational aspect is profound and much of the information I was unaware of. Our city is erecting a city park named after the song and I hope a museum with this information ℹ️ can be included.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated! That’s really cool to hear a city park will be named after the song too, hopefully it can spread awareness about the song and it’s beautiful purpose as well. 👍

@wildcat77 2 жыл бұрын

@@americanhistorygeek1926 you’re welcome and I’m excited about it. I can’t wait until it’s done. The mayor recently presented a proclamation for it to be the nations national hymn.

@kitsmith806 2 ай бұрын

God bless you for this explanation of such a powerful song that speaks to the soul of America and still brings tears of hope to my own heart. ❤️👍🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

@deliseovpstudio2978 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Will, for your presentation/interpretation of the history of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing". I went to your KZfaq page to see if you in turn had also made a video with your historical take on The Star-Spangled Banner. Seeing that there was no entry for that, I would be interested in your analysis of ALL of the verses of the S-SB as well. If, after doing so, I would like to see if you would care to make a comparison of both "national anthems"! I believe you might find that one is a lot more inclusive of the intended ideals of freedom, liberty, justice and especially humanity than the other. You did a fine job of your video production, keep up the good work!

@wilsonfam63 9 ай бұрын

Amen! Thank you for providing the history of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”🙏🏽❤️😊

@lystraallicock695 2 жыл бұрын

I've been looking for a comprehensive analysis of the background of this beautiful song and you did not disappoint. Thank you for a job well done 👏. I hope its sentiments become woven into the fabric of your society one day, so the equality envisioned by the Johnson Brothers becomes a reality.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Lystra, that's really great to hear! I hope the anthem gets more traction too, it's nice to hear that the NFL is playing it before football games too!

@OOTD_ 2 жыл бұрын

You did such a great job on this video. We learned this song as kids in elementary school in Mississippi.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, that's very cool to hear!

@jong7513 2 жыл бұрын

Well done. I used to begrudge singing it during church and BSU meetings as a kid, but greatly appreciate the song as an adult. I think a lot of people have the wrong idea, and think BLM wrote the song or something. This is a pretty good analysis of the poem/song.

@deliseovpstudio2978 Жыл бұрын

WOW! If our younger generations think the BLM movement originated this piece, this is another piece of the puzzle that reveals from where our children are receiving (or are no longer receiving) their cultural information. To me, it says children aren't "in church" much these days as well as the song not being taught in school music programs. But then, unless they are in elementary school, many students don't recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor sing the Star-Spangled Banner. The text of the S-SB has its own history - - that is in no manner as inclusive and representative of the true meaning of the freedom of which it attempts to speak.

@KeepItSimple2020 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic analysis! 🤔🧐🎶👍🏽

@FamilyBankWealth 2 жыл бұрын

This is great information. Thank you for your efforts.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, happy to hear that you enjoyed the video!

@kumarrashad7849 2 жыл бұрын

Great review and video. Thank you

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, thanks for watching and commenting! :)

@7491136 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for not holding back you told the truth and nothing else!!!!!

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, glad to hear that you liked the video!!

@LuJustLu 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this.

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, more videos to come in the future as well! 🙂

@cherylward5315 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.🙏🏾

@americanhistorygeek1926 2 жыл бұрын

Of course, happy you enjoyed the video!

@Drixidamus 3 жыл бұрын

I'm struck that you called the song writer American. I agree, it just struck me.

@dtodd30 2 жыл бұрын

Why would you think that they wouldn't be called Americans?

@daniellemitchell3118 Жыл бұрын

@@dtodd30 That part.

@evelynrodgers5717 3 жыл бұрын

Loved it! Love the song. Love the video. BTW. the end of the 19th Century was 1999. I believe you meant to say end of the 18th Century. Evelyn Rodgers

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, that’s awesome to hear! Also thanks for letting us know, I’ll see what we can do about that. Thanks so much again!! 🙂

@MrTravisshort 2 жыл бұрын

The end of the 19th Century was December 31, 1900. The 20th Century ended in 2000. We are now in the 21st Century.

@benpurcell4935 2 жыл бұрын

@@MrTravisshort Each century starts with 0 and ends with 9 because the beginning was 0 A.D. and the end of the first century was 99 A.D.

@overlord3680 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good song

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely, it played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement too!

@dalelerette206 11 ай бұрын

I think the world was devastated when Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, just three days before Valentine's Day. When Bobbi passed away in a silent reflection of her mom on July 26, 2015, many people felt the dream was over. But we are so close to breaking through. Lift Every Voice and Sing! ❤

@americanhistorygeek1926 11 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

@dalelerette206 11 ай бұрын

@@americanhistorygeek1926 Why can't just see it all together: African, American Indian, Asian, Australian, European, Indian, Melanesian, Micronesian, Polynesian? But we are so close to breaking through. Lift Every Voice and Sing! ❤

@tracymacclement5747 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful!!

@americanhistorygeek1926 11 ай бұрын

Thank you, I'm happy that you liked the video!!

@sonjacoleman5628 Жыл бұрын

God bless your soul young man

@americanhistorygeek1926 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words, bless your soul as well!

@marienadinepierre4138 5 ай бұрын

Jah & Jahes love. Thank you so much for making this video and for sharing it with us. Blessed love.#1804 #Ayiti #ToutMounseMoun #AbolishCPS #AbolishPoverty #DefundFosterCare #ProChoice #RawVeganforLife #HR40NOW!

@ugochinyereegbe5998 Жыл бұрын

Thos is very enlightening

@quindelldoyle2487 Жыл бұрын

I must say you did a very good commentary on our(Black Americans') beloved hymn.

@americanhistorygeek1926 11 ай бұрын

Thank you, I'm happy that you liked the video!

@keithd9831 3 жыл бұрын

I have to disagree with your analysis of the final line. Our native land is not America, it is Africa. This is a call for African Americans to remember our roots and not forget who we are. This line is Pan-African and pays homage to our ancestors.

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

I can definitely understand that interpretation too. Native homeland is the country from which one is born, so I always saw him referring to America, since Johnson himself was born in America. Historically, Johnson always viewed America as a place to reform and live in, however your point about Pan-African homage and homeland is a totally valid analysis. I think poetry oftentimes has many different ways of speaking to all of us. I can definitely see how the final line pays respect to ancestors, whom before the evils of slavery were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and people in Africa. Thanks for the comment, I always love discussing historical writings with others!

@keithd9831 3 жыл бұрын

You make a very solid and well researched point here. It may be that pan-africanists see our native land as the motherland and integrationists see it as the U.S. As a member of the N.A.A.C.P., he appears to be a member of the latter group. Thank you for sharing.

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

@@keithd9831 Of course, thank you for sharing as well! It was very good to hear your perspective!! 🙂

@LuJustLu 2 жыл бұрын

The exchange between you two on this particular thread has given even more insight and a broader perspective. Thank you.

@kelila_1688 2 жыл бұрын

ALL colored people didn't come from Africa. There were Negroes who were native to America !!!

@all4one06 3 жыл бұрын

John Rosamond Johnson had a collaborator with the music 🎵. Bob Cole collaborated with Rosamond on the music and is given credit. I guess saying only the Johnson brothers makes the history sound better and helps the image of this classic song. No one give Cole any credit.....

@americanhistorygeek1926 3 жыл бұрын

The collaboration between Bob Cole and John Rosamond Johnson definitely existed, although I don't believe that Bob Cole took part in the original composition of the music for "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Bob Cole and John Rosamond Johnson were prominent musical partners on vaudeville productions in 1900, after the music for "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was originally conceived of, source via Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200038836/

@lisarodke6550 10 ай бұрын

My most important comment is the references to God in the 3rd verse. Jewish and Muslim descriptions of God equally apply. Many Africans who were kidnapped and sold into slavery were Muslim. Many important Jewish leaders helped the civil rights movement. Booker T. Washington asked Mr. Julius Rosenwald, one of the founders and CEO of Sears and Roebuck, to fund and help open Freedom Schools throughout the South. My other comment is in regards to the line in verse 2 at time marker 6:05. 'with a steady beat' seems to me to refer to the beat of marching for civil rights.

@jtgd Жыл бұрын

0:43 did you mean 19th century?

@stevenschwartzhoff1703 2 жыл бұрын

"where the gleam of our bright star is cast" One could object to white being used as a symbol of hope or goodness, or simply recognize that it is not always related to race. Great video.

@norman_5623 Жыл бұрын

I think this country needs a new national anthem, but I would prefer Paul Robeson's Ballad for Americans. I would summarize its theme as: Americans of all races, religions, occupations, and social classes can have liberty, and all the other rights, if they are willing to organize and fight for them, when it becomes necessary. It also acknowledges the failings of America, and how we can fight to correct them. After it was released in 1939, it was tremendously popular. In 1940 it was sung at the conventions of both the Republican Party and the Communist Party. It was a song that could bring us together.

@silvanoooo7 3 ай бұрын

non e' che lascia spazio a tanti commenti! perche' mi ha lasciato con un (GROPPO) in gola (groppo e' quando ti si chiude la gola dall'emozione....proprio in questi giorni stiamo provando questa canzone in coro(PURPLE GOSPEL CHOIR) CON IL MAESTRO TIMOTHY MARTIN

@tombrown9424 2 жыл бұрын

42 seconds in, there's a glaring error. it should be "at the end of the 19TH CENTURY" not at the end of the 20TH CENTURY". the song deserves a better edited explanation.

@almethar.johnson4450 2 жыл бұрын

This is me Victorino

@almethar.johnson4450 2 жыл бұрын

I had a argument w/ my grandmother about anthems and I was wrong about it . I'm sorry 😩😩🌮🌮

@cheskydivision 2 ай бұрын

Surprised you did not actually play the song

@ChicanoPhD 2 жыл бұрын

A little naive there in the beginning. When haven't we been a "very polarized" country?

@sableindian Жыл бұрын

Don't forget the narrator states that after he gave the introduction he went on to conduct a personal analysis of the song. This IS NOT research of the song but a personal analysis. Anyone can do this. My personal analysis recognizes that the poet speaks of heaven and earth and not the U S. Patriotism is in God and what he has created. I see the poet speaking to the world and to the people of Deuteronomy 28 start with verse 19 after the blessings. It was a popular movement to attach these words to West Africans in captivity during and after slavery. The narrator, through no fault of his own, has no clue about this identification in scripture. Hope you do your research.

@Eye_4_An_Eye Жыл бұрын

the part of this song that no one seems to mentipn is that its all inclusive. EVERY VOICE. when the naacp had it performed at a school in the 90's it had nothing to do with race. its the media and news that created the racial division of the song. ur all being fooled and tought to be racist. the entire point of the song is the complete opposite of racism. yet when blacks make it about blacks, its counter productive. its disrespectful to the point of the song. god loves all.

@Gess575 Жыл бұрын

The the end of the 20th century?

@teresabennett7404 2 жыл бұрын

go back and do over!!!!!

@toniclairmont2120 2 жыл бұрын

I am. This is terrible and a disgrace to ALL ADOS. Our GODS are NOT the same to BEGIN with confused yt boy

@hollistoal9395 Жыл бұрын

19th Century, not 20th Century,

@lesliebaker2560 2 жыл бұрын

My comment comes rather late on this discussion. (Will anyone read and respond?) I object to this song replacing our current National Anthem for the same reason that many, today, object to the "Star Spangled Banner". Both can be construed as racist. One forgoing the black American, the other emphasizing the African American. Yes, after due thought, I have reversed my opinion on our current Anthem. It does need to be replaced! That is said as a white American raised to respect my heritage. That heritage was understood, by myself, as a song glorifying a nation representing all races. After review, though that is a respected interpretation, IT IS WRONG! But why "flip the coin" to continue to show our nation as divided? We need unity. We need open horizons that leaves far behind prejudices and hatred. Until I am seen as American and see you as American regardless of skin color we have both regressed into times unexplainable to my freedom, forward thinking and UUNITED beliefs of and for these United States of America: Home of the free thinking, and land of all dreaming farsighted persons. So let those with more talent than I possess write a true anthem: colorless, United and free!

@kinlabelle001 2 жыл бұрын

It doesn’t replace your national anthem, dummy. It was written 100 years ago when racial discrimination against Black people was legal. It is a freedom song against racial oppression.

@Ekane98 2 жыл бұрын

If you saw a press article about this song being sung at the national July 4th celebration in Washington and interpreted that as replacing the Star Spangled Banner, then you were misled by what I call an 'fuel the outrage' headline. Both songs will be sung. Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing is a standard in black churches and in schools and gatherings all over the U.S. One has to remember that, like this song, the Star Spangled Banner was a poem before it was set to music, I have never heard anyone ever sing the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner.. While the poem's other verses are an anathema today, the ideals of valor, loyalty, freedom and bravery while under fire that are in the first verse are still inspiring. As Americans, we too often think history is irrelevant to the present, but it isn't. Understanding the past is essential if we are going to ASPIRE to creating the country that fully lives up to our own ideals.

@kontzel 2 жыл бұрын

There was a call in congress for it to be made the *National Hymn* ... that means we wouldn't be getting rid of what has become a very beloved song but *adding* to our official musical heritage. Musically, is far more sing-able than The Star-Spangled Banner. I would argue it's a better-written piece as well - and it's fully from the United States where The Star-Spangled Banner had words by the American (Frances Scott Key) but the music is by an Englishman who wrote the music before the United States was even a nation... And the song didn't even become the National Anthem until the 1930s. Some of the things we believe are from "our founding fathers" are nothing of the sort. ;)

@ChicanoPhD 2 жыл бұрын

This should be our ONLY national anthem.

@catherinefox5078 2 жыл бұрын

Black people have always lifted up when under sever wrongs being done to them, now my people let us lay aside all acts that ALMIGHTY GOD would Condemn, and move forward, so we will be pleasing to our GOD, we must!

@henrycumberlander1459 Жыл бұрын

If you find yourself hating this song, then you yourself he is pure evil.

@anthonycollins3430 Жыл бұрын

Do video on WHY HOMOSEXUALITY IS BIBLICALLY SHAMED

@OnpointVisual 8 ай бұрын

the line true to our native land because we our the moors of this Moroccan empire now called America learn first

@suzettecoates5885 Жыл бұрын

Nothing but the Grace of God, black America has survived all the centuries of oppression and cruelty in America and the world. The analogies used don't tell half the story!

@righteoussword8610 2 жыл бұрын

WE DO NOT NEED YOUR interpretation! You have NO right to interpret a song written by Brown people and for our people. Your interpretation is not accurate! This is about our relationship with the Most High GOD! Stay in your lane. Get your own damn history and STOP meddling in ours!!! Your day is already here............Wait for it because it's not long now! Ignore his interpretation because he is trying to sway you to his opinion!!!!

@buckeyewill2166 2 жыл бұрын

Wow….give the guy credit for respecting us.

@nadinerivers2384 2 жыл бұрын

You have no idea, God does not exist in America. You can’t explain what you have not experienced.

@Montasia1112011 2 жыл бұрын

You are not qualified to discuss this phenomenon. You're dialect, terminology, and perspective is insulting. Your exercise of your privilege and hubris to believe you had the right to internationally discuss that which is beyond your truthful comprehension. Your attempt is disgusting.

@OOTD_ 2 жыл бұрын

He did it in good taste so there was no problem with this video. What is your problem?

@keepinitkawaii 2 жыл бұрын

I see literally no problem. Making issues where there are none

@norman_5623 Жыл бұрын

So do you think black people are qualified to interpret a Bible that was written for white people?

@edwinl.jonessr6727 Жыл бұрын

True to our God, True to our Native land (Africa). Truth makes us Free.

@lisarodke6550 10 ай бұрын

It is true that white people do not have the lived experience and family history to have a full understanding of the song. We cannot speak for African Americans. We can just do our best to be an ally and help empower others to speak for themselves.