Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
Retribution
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Living life since I was ten
Heard every story told
Been everywhere but in
And I ain't disillusioned
Always knew confusions' story
Don't want no silver spoon
Give me nothing
Don't want no favors done
Just let the retribution
Match the contribution, baby
No street that's paved with gold
Don't need no hand to hold
Hand me nothing
Don't want no sad song sung
Just let the retribution
Match the contribution, baby
Instrumental break
Don't want no silver spoon
Ain't asking for the moon
Give me nothing
Don't want no favors done
Just let the retribution
Match the contribution, baby
No street that's paved with gold
Don't need no hand to hold
Hand me nothing
Don't want no sad song sung
Just let the retribution
Match the contribution, baby
Let the retribution
Match the contribution, baby
The song "Retribution" by Abbey Lincoln touches upon themes of self-reliance and the desire for justice. Through her lyrics, Lincoln tells the story of a person who has had to fend for themselves since a young age and has had to navigate through life's ups and downs alone. They have heard all of life's stories and have been almost everywhere but have yet to experience true satisfaction. Nevertheless, they are not disillusioned and have always known the complexities of life.
This person does not want any special treatment nor anyone to give them anything they have not earned. They simply want justice for the hard work they have put in and the contributions they have made. They do not need a street paved with gold or a hand to hold. They just want the retribution to match the contribution. The instrumental break in the middle of the song symbolizes a moment of introspection and reflection. The person in the song is resolute and determined in their quest for justice, and they will not be dissuaded by anything or anyone.
Overall, Abbey Lincoln's "Retribution" is a powerful song that speaks to the human need for justice and fairness. It embodies the spirit of determination and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Never was a child
I had to grow up quickly and take on responsibilities from a young age.
Living life since I was ten
I had to start taking care of myself and making tough decisions when I was very young.
Heard every story told
I have been exposed to many different experiences and perspectives in my life.
Been everywhere but in
Despite my travels and experiences, I still feel somewhat lost and disconnected from myself.
And I ain't disillusioned
I am not naive and I understand the struggles and challenges of life.
Always knew confusion's story
I have learned to accept and navigate through the uncertainties and complexities of life.
Don't want no silver spoon
I do not want any special treatment or advantages in life.
Ain't asking for the moon
I do not have unrealistic expectations or demands.
Give me nothing
I am content with what I have and do not need additional material possessions or wealth.
Don't want no favors done
I do not want anyone to do me any special favors or owe me anything.
Just let the retribution
I believe that people should be held accountable for their actions.
Match the contribution, baby
I believe that consequences should be equal to the actions or contributions made.
No street that's paved with gold
I do not believe that there is an easy path to success or happiness.
Don't need no hand to hold
I am independent and do not need anyone to guide or protect me.
Hand me nothing
I do not want any handouts or special treatment.
Don't want no sad song sung
I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me or sympathize with my struggles.
Let the retribution
I believe that justice and fairness should prevail.
Match the contribution, baby
I believe that consequences should be equal to the actions or contributions made.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LINCOLN, ABBEY, PRIESTER, JULIAN ANTHONY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind