Young Gifted and Black
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gifted, and black
Oh, what a lovely precious thing
Oh, when you're, yes, yes, when you're
When you're young, yeah, thank you, Jesus, gifted and black
Open your heart, is all I need
In this whole world, you know
Who are young, gifted and black
With their souls intact, and that's a fact
You are young, gifted and black, we must begin to tell our young
There's a world waiting for you (you) yours is the quest that's just begun
When you feelin' real low
Here's a great truth you should remember and know
That you're young, gifted, and black
You got your soul intact, oh, and that's a fact
(You're young, gifted, and black)
Oh, it's a mighty sweet thing, yes, it is now
(Young, gifted, and black)
Oh, my sisters
(Young, gifted, and black)
You're young and you're black, you got your soul intact
You got the future, don't you know it's a fact?
(Young, gifted, and black)
Aretha Franklin's song "Young Gifted and Black" is an anthem that celebrates the qualities of being young, talented, and black. The opening lines declare that being "young, gifted, and black" is a "lovely precious thing," a sentiment that Franklin repeats throughout the song. Franklin speaks to the limitless potential of young people who possess these qualities and urges them to open their hearts to the world. Despite acknowledging that there are many young people who possess these qualities, the implication is that these individuals are unique and special.
The chorus of the song urges young people to recognize their value and to acknowledge that they are capable of great things. Franklin sings that "there's a world waiting for you," and that the quest has just begun. She encourages listeners to remember that they possess a powerful force that will sustain them when they are feeling low: the fact that they are young, gifted, and black. The song concludes with Franklin repeating the phrase "young, gifted, and black," a powerful declaration of pride and self-assurance.
Line by Line Meaning
To be young
Being in the prime of your youthful years
Gifted, and black
Having natural talent and intelligence, while being African American
Oh, what a lovely precious thing
The beauty and value of being young, gifted, and black
Oh, when you're, yes, yes, when you're
Acknowledging and celebrating the experience of being young, gifted, and black
When you're young, yeah, thank you, Jesus, gifted and black
Grateful for the blessing of being young, talented, and black
Open your heart, is all I need
Encouragement to be open-minded and receptive to the world around us
In this whole world, you know
This world is full of opportunities
There are millions of boys and girls
Many young people are in the same position
Who are young, gifted and black
Having natural talent and intelligence, while being African American
With their souls intact, and that's a fact
Their character and identity are still intact despite societal challenges
You are young, gifted and black, we must begin to tell our young
Acknowledging the value of being young, gifted, and black, and the need to share this message with others
There's a world waiting for you (you) yours is the quest that's just begun
There is a world of possibilities and opportunities for young, gifted, and black individuals
When you feelin' real low
During times of hardship or discouragement
Here's a great truth you should remember and know
Remembering a valuable piece of advice
That you're young, gifted, and black
Reinforcing the inherent value of being young, gifted, and black
You got your soul intact, oh, and that's a fact
Stressing the importance of preserving one's identity and character
(You're young, gifted, and black)
This message applies to all young, gifted, and black people
Oh, it's a mighty sweet thing, yes, it is now
Being young, gifted, and black is something to be cherished
(Young, gifted, and black)
Reiterating the importance and value of being young, gifted, and black
Oh, my sisters
Addressing young, gifted, and black women specifically
You're young and you're black, you got your soul intact
Emphasizing the identity and character of young, gifted, and black women
You got the future, don't you know it's a fact?
Highlighting the limitless opportunities and potential of young, gifted, and black women
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind