I am excited to enter this music competition with my cover of "Stand Up" by Cynthia Erivo. I chose this song because I have a deep admiration for powerful and big songs, especially those performed by vocalists with incredible voices like Cynthia's. Her ability to convey emotion and strength through her singing inspires me greatly.
Covering complex songs like this one serves as a form of self-validation for me. It challenges me to push my vocal limits and reminds me that I, too, am a powerful vocalist capable of tackling such demanding pieces. I believe that music has the power to uplift and empower, and I hope to share that energy through my performance.
@verbal-d @silentscreamer @lordbutterfly
YouTube link to my entry:
Twitter link:
https://x.com/bennyriff/status/1857370979745575031?s=46
Promotional video link:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhGkLv1G/
Lyrics:
Verse 1]
I been walkin' with my face turned to the sun
Weight on my shoulders, a bullet in my gun
Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head just in case I have to run
I do what I can when I can while I can for my people
While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night
[Chorus]
That's when I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going to a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones
Verse 2]
Early in the mornin' before the sun begins to shine
Gonna start movin' towards that separating line
I'm wading through muddy waters, you know I got a made-up mind
And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation
And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die
[Chorus]
So I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going to a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
[Bridge]
And I know what's around the bend
Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone
And I just might fail, but Lord knows I tried
Sure as stars fill up the sky
[Chorus]
Stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going to a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going to a brand new home
Far across the river
Do you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I'm gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going to a brand new home
Far across the river
I hear freedom calling
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin' on
I can feel it in my bones