Nina Cried Power
Mavis Staples, Hozier
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It's not the wakin', it's the risin' It is the groundin' of a foot uncompromisin' It's not forgoin' of the lie It's not the openin' of eyes It's not the wakin', it's the risin' It's not the shade we should be cast in It's the light and it's the obstacle that casts it It's the heat that drives the light It's the fire it ignites It's not the wakin', it's the risin' It's not the song, it is the singin' It's the heaven of the human spirit ringin' It is the bringin' of the line It is the bearin' of the lie It's not the wakin', it's the risin' And I could cry power (power) Power (power) Power, Lord Nina cried power Billie cried power Mavis cried power And I could cry power (power) Power (power) Power, Lord Curtis cried power Patti cried power Nina cried power It's not the war but what's behind it Lord, the fear of foul men is mere assignment And everythin' that we're denied by keepin' the divide It's not the wakin', it's the risin' And I could cry power (power) Power (power) Power, Lord Nina cried power Lennon cried power James Brown cried power And I could cry power Power (power) Power (power) Power, Lord B.B. cried power Joni cried power Nina cried power And I could cry power Power has been cried by those stronger than me Straight into the face that tells you to rattle your chains If you love bein' free Ah, Lord, I could cry power (power) 'Cause power is my love and my righteous to me James Brown cried power Seeger cried power Woman cried power Yeah ah, power James cried power Millie cried power Kenny cried power Billie, power Dylan, power Woody, power Nina cried power
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Written by: Andrew Hozier-Byrne
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Genre ClassificationThe song "Nina Cried Power" is primarily classified as Indie Rock with elements of Soul blended into it.
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Vocals CollaborationThis song is a duet between the Irish musician Hozier and American rhythm-and-blues and gospel singer Mavis Staples.
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Release Details"Nina Cried Power" was released as the lead single and title track from Hozier's second EP in September 2018.
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Cultural ReferencesThe song's title is a nod to the American civil rights activist and world-renowned singer, Nina Simone. It celebrates artists who have used their platforms for political and social activism.
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Music InfluencesKey inspirations for this song include American protest songs and the work of protesters and musicians from the civil rights era. Hozier has mentioned that the tracks of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Mavis Staples inspired him.
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Popularity RatingsUpon its release, the song received positive reviews from music critics. It peaked at number 1 on the Ireland Homegrown chart and reached number 25 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart in the U.S.
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Activism DeclarationIn the track, Hozier lists activists including Nina Simone, Patti LaBelle, Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, James Brown, B.B. King, and Mavis Staples herself. They all used their music as a form of resistance, which "Nina Cried Power" salutes with its strong and empowering lyrics.
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Production InformationThe song was produced by the renowned British musician, Markus Dravs who has previously worked with bands such as Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, and Arcade Fire.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Nina Cried Power" was directed by Jon Hozier Byrne and Patrick Ryan. It features a number of Irish activists familiar with standing up against political and social issues of the time.
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Live PerformanceThe song premiered live on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, shortly after its release.
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Songwriting DetailsHozier wrote the song, and Mavis Staples shared vocals, bringing a powerful and soulful dynamic to the recording.
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Citation
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"Nina Cried Power Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/36033734/Mavis+Staples/Nina+Cried+Power>.
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