Still I Rise

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does it upset you That I don’t have enough words? For every slur, every scar Some silver lining to my life? Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? Just like air, I’ll rise.

Does it disturb you That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Just like air, I’ll rise.

Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise With my head held high I am my people’s dream and hope I rise I rise I rise.