Wilson's repertoire includes both jazz and blues standards and renditions of pop and rock songs. Her contralto voice has been described as bluesy and sultry, and the style of her music ranges from swing to funk to bossa nova. Many of the songs she covers are by artists who usually record in other genres.
Wilson counts the late Miles Davis as one of her greatest influences. In 1989 she performed as the opening act for Davis at the JVC Jazz Festival in Chicago. In 1999 she produced Traveling Miles as a tribute to Davis. The album developed from a series of jazz concerts that she performed at Lincoln Center in November 1997 in Davis's honor and includes three selections based on Davis's own compositions, in which Wilson adapted the original themes.
A Brief Discography
Point of View (1986, JMT)
Days Aweigh (1987, JMT)
Blue Skies (1988, JMT)
Jumpworld (1989, JMT)
She Who Weeps (1990, JMT)
Live (1991, JMT)
After the Beginning Again (1992, JMT)
Dance to the Drums Again (1992, DIW/Columbia)
Blue Light 'til Dawn (1993, Blue Note)
New Moon Daughter (1995, Blue Note)
Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998, Blue Note)
Traveling Miles (1999, Blue Note)
Belly of the Sun (2002, Blue Note)
Glamoured (2003, Blue Note)
Thunderbird (2006, Blue Note)
Loverly (2008, Blue Note)
Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note)
Another Country (2012, eOne)
Official website: www.cassandrawilson.com
Rock This Calling
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blindness abounds, deaf to the sounds
Sweeter than angels' voices
Calling from beyond the water
Black child break wild
Move this world, no need to fear
All the tears and the pain
After rain that rings with thunder
Spirits move through you
Day by day, day by day
Now is the time for redesigning a mind
You will need to rock this calling
And send the mighty swiftly falling
Swiftly falling, falling
Cassandra Wilson's "Rock This Calling" is a song that speaks to the struggle against injustice and inequality in the world. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, acknowledging the harsh reality of the world we live in, with its cruelty and indifference. Despite this, the song acknowledges that there is still hope, represented by the sweet voices that call to us from beyond the water.
The second verse is a call to action. It speaks to the power that lies within us all, the ability to break free from the chains that bind us and to move the world forward. The tears and pain that we experience in life can be overcome, just as the clouds dissipate after a thunderstorm. The song calls on us to embrace the spirits that move within us and to use this power to redesign our minds and embrace our calling.
The final verse is a powerful statement of determination and strength. It reminds us that we can send the mighty swiftly falling and make a real difference in the world. It is a call to stand up against injustice and to use our strength and power for good.
Overall, "Rock This Calling" is a powerful and inspiring song that speaks to the need for change and the strength that lies within us all.
Line by Line Meaning
This world may be so unkind
It's possible that this world is not a kind place
Blindness abounds, deaf to the sounds
Many people are unaware or apathetic to what's really going on
Sweeter than angels' voices
The message being conveyed is important and attractive
Calling from beyond the water
A voice from somewhere distant is requesting assistance or change
Black child break wild
Black youth, let loose and be yourself
Move this world, no need to fear
Make a change without hesitation or anxiety
All the tears and the pain
Painful experiences and suffering
Will dissipate like clouds in summer
It will eventually vanish slowly like clouds on a summer day
After rain that rings with thunder
As a result of a powerful and destructive event
Spirits move through you
You have the power and energy to make things happen
Day by day, day by day
As time passes, gradually
Now is the time for redesigning a mind
It's time to change your way of thinking and perspective
You will need to rock this calling
You must embrace and fulfill this mission or purpose
And send the mighty swiftly falling
Cause significant change that quickly affects the powerful
Swiftly falling, falling
Bringing down those who hold power
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CASSANDRA WILSON, STEVEN COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind