Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

Lyrics

[INTRO]
In the depths of darkness, I find my voice
A whisper in the silence, a choice to rejoice
A spirit unbroken, a soul on fire
I'll rise up, I'll take my rightful desire

[VERSE 1]
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise

[CHORUS]
I'll rise, I'll rise, like a phoenix born
From the ashes of oppression, I'll rise, I'll rise
I'll shine like the morning sun
My spirit unbroken, my day has just begun

[VERSE 2]
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room

[CHORUS]
I'll rise, I'll rise, like a phoenix born
From the ashes of oppression, I'll rise, I'll rise
I'll shine like the morning sun
My spirit unbroken, my day has just begun

[VERSE 3]
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise

[BRIDGE]
I'll draw from the strength of my ancestors' past
Their struggles and triumphs, forever to last
I'll wear my crown, I'll hold my head high
I'll rise, I'll rise, I won't say goodbye

[HOOK]
Rise up, rise up, let your spirit soar
Don't let the darkness bring you down no more
Rise up, rise up, let your voice be heard
You'll rise, you'll rise, like a work of art

[VERSE 4]
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

[VERSE 5]
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise

[CHORUS]
I'll rise, I'll rise, like a phoenix born
From the ashes of oppression, I'll rise, I'll rise
I'll shine like the morning sun
My spirit unbroken, my day has just begun

[VERSE 6]
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the