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.
STRAIGHT AHEAD
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Narrow, wet and dimly lit
Vainly looking for a crossroad
Where a weary soul can sit
Lost and needing some direction
Dodging ruts along the way
Bumpy road, confuse a body
Lead a trusting soul astray
Travelin' high without a care
But if ya got to use the back roads
Straight ahead can lead nowhere
On this road you got a problem
Getting where you want to go
Speed limits almost down to nothing
Straight ahead but oh so slow
The lyrics in Abbey Lincoln's song "Straight Ahead" speak to the challenging and unpredictable journey of life. The road is described as winding, narrow, wet, and dimly lit, which creates a sense of difficulty and uncertainty. The search for a crossroad where a weary soul can sit highlights the human need for rest, guidance, and direction. However, there is a lack of clarity and confusion on this journey, as the road is bumpy and can lead to lostness and frustration. Although some may have an easier journey, those who take the back roads can find that going straight ahead can lead nowhere. Ultimately, the road presents problems and obstacles that make the journey slower and less certain.
The song's lyrics use the metaphor of a road and traveling to convey the uncertainties of life. It speaks to the challenges and obstacles that people face in their lives, whether it be emotional, spiritual, or physical. The song also highlights the importance of perseverance and endurance to overcome those challenges. As the road may be slow and bumpy, it is still important to keep moving straight ahead. The lyrics also reveal a sense of hope and promise that, even in the midst of difficult times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Line by Line Meaning
Straight ahead the road keeps winding
The path towards progress is long and winding
Narrow, wet and dimly lit
The path is difficult with limited visibility
Vainly looking for a crossroad
Hopeful for a signpost to guide us properly
Where a weary soul can sit
Hoping for a moment to rest and find our bearings
Lost and needing some direction
Feeling confused and without guidance
Dodging ruts along the way
Avoiding obstacles that come in our path
Bumpy road, confuse a body
The hurdles make the journey difficult and tiring
Lead a trusting soul astray
Create confusion and hinder one's progress
For some this road is smooth and easy
The path is easy for some but not everyone
Travelin' high without a care
Some can make progress without any obstacles
But if ya got to use the back roads
If you have to take a difficult path
Straight ahead can lead nowhere
The journey may be fruitless and unfulfilling
On this road you got a problem
The journey presents various problems to overcome
Getting where you want to go
Reaching our destination is difficult
Speed limits almost down to nothing
The pace of progress is extremely slow
Straight ahead but oh so slow
The path is straight ahead but progress is slow
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: LEON BAKER, ABBEY LINCOLN, MALCOLM EARL WALDRON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@churchmouseTV
When there is Max Roach there will be the magic of Abbey Lincoln
@_an-aesthete_
"Let the Retribution Match the Contribution" ✨
@brucebryant1486
Beautiful Being....
Wow!
@cflo1023
Major album!!!!!!!
@westmountain2526
Who's listening in 2021!~
@filnad9564
Indeed ! who is listening that in 2021 ?
@erforderlich5274
More so: Who's listening in '21 while not reading comments? ;-)
@roseyedwards3140
Listening in 2022!💜
@roseyedwards3140
Thank you beloved 'Ms Lincoln' for your passion, integrity and activism.👑⚡👊🏿
You strengthened me in one of my darkest hours to keep on pushing 'straight ahead'✊🏿
@pedrobcn
2023