Story Behind The Song
I was inspired to write this song, Native Tongue, after watching the movie Black Panther, which was released on my birthday, February 16. Both my husband and I took our youngest son, (13 years old), with us and the look on his face after watching the movie of a black super hero was very inspirational. I was filled with glee watching the affects the movie had on my community and this country. This movie became a movement.
Song Description
The poem, Native Tongue, is more than a statement but rather a testimony. No one can deny anyone their excellence regardless of race and this movie and poem stands firmly behind that concept. You cannot deny excellence. Excellence in terms of creation. God created us all- so what makes one race or culture better than the other? Wealth? Education? Power? I disagree in part. I think opportunity and greed in addition to those other things afore mentioned separates us from unifying as we should. So in this movie, you have a nation who are intact with wealth, (mineral wealth), technology, intellect, and education and they are owning their identity as a colored male and female with the opportunities given to them. Instead of division, these beautiful people illustrate for us how to utilize one another's gifts and talents and live the life intended for us to live; as Kings and Queens, and as the lender and not the borrower, as a royal priesthood and in harmony. The ability to combine a courageous people, great wealth, and technology with solidarity, unity or synthesis, then yes, you have a testimony. A testimony indeed. -Lavaughn T. Simmons
| Song Length |
4:40 |
Genre |
Spoken Word - Poetry, Spoken Word - General |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Diplomatic, Restless |
Subject |
Race/Ethnicity, Change |
| Similar Artists |
George the Poet, Sista Soulja |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Title: Native Tongue
Written by: Lavaughn T. Simmons
Today my tongue is celebrated
My heritage advocated
Spectators fascinated
From the long awaited
Demonstrated
Life about us
Finally in the spotlight
A native tongue forthright
An African delight
Whether by daylight
Or moonlight
It's the life about us
What you call a new world I call my habitat
And why would I be ashamed about that
Never letting go of what I believe
Whether what I believe
Is wrong or right
This is why I fight
I'm empowered by my might
And my dialect and my legacy
Are unapologetically
Deeply a part of me
So why can't you see
Whether I'm wrong or right
This is why I fight.
Welcome to my origin
And to my oxygen
No longer forbidden
In comparison
To other Americans
Here is the life about us
We eat and survive the same
We have relevant pain
There is much to gain
If you learned our name
And respected our brain
You will know about us
What you call a new world I call my habitat
And why would I be ashamed about that
Never letting go of what I believe
Whether what I believe
Is wrong or right
This is why I fight
I'm empowered by my might
And my dialect and my legacy
Are unapologetically
Deeply a part of me
So why can't you see
Whether I'm wrong or right
This is why I fight.
Warriors, Princesses, Kings and Queens
Authentic power progressing by all means
RAP:
Stop making excuses for why
We should or shouldn't get alone
This Earth offers us all a place
To call our bless-sed home
Why must you question
Our right to simply feel proud
Can you really ignore our
African tongue when spoken aloud
As a nation don't you think
It's time for us to do better
As a human race can't you see
Even we are just as clever
Regardless of pressure and bitterness
And hatred bleeding from the past
We all have the responsibility
To make each other's culture last
We must stop being defined by things
Naïve and what others preconceive
Enough have grieved
Time to roll up your sleeve
And help others to believe
Warriors, Princesses, Kings and Queens
Authentic power progressing by all means
Soprano:
Quit spreading jealousy
We're not your enemy
Open your eyes and see
That this is our native tongue
Alto:
Quit spreading jealousy
We're not your enemy
Open your eyes and see
That this is our native tongue
Tenor:
Quit spreading jealousy
We're not your enemy
Open your eyes and see
That this is our native tongue
All Together:
Quit spreading jealousy
We're not your enemy
So why can't you see
That this is our native tongue
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