Black National Anthem Lyrics - Lift Every Voice and Sing

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a cherished hymn widely referred to as the Black National Anthem in the United States. Penned as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and set to music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, the song stands as a profound symbol of African American history, struggle, hope, and faith. Its powerful lyrics and moving melody resonate deeply, capturing the journey towards freedom and equality.

Full Lyrics of the Black National Anthem ("Lift Every Voice and Sing")

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
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.

Verse 3
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.

Historical Significance of the Black National Anthem

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was first performed by a choir of 500 schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday in 1900. The NAACP adopted it as its official song in 1919. During the Civil Rights Movement, the hymn became a powerful rallying cry, offering solace and strength to activists fighting against racial injustice. Referring to it as the Black National Anthem underscores its importance and centrality to the African American experience and identity.

Enduring Message of Hope and Unity

The lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" eloquently capture the pain of the past ("Stony the road we trod"), gratitude for progress, and unwavering hope for the future ("Facing the rising sun of our new day begun"). It serves as a constant reminder of resilience, faith, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Its message continues to inspire generations, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.

Tags:

Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Lyrics, James Weldon Johnson, Civil Rights, Hope, Unity, Historical Songs, Anthem, African American History