To Be Young Gifted and Black
Common & Lalah Hathaway Lyrics

Young, gifted and black
To be youthful, talented, and of African-American descent.

To be young, gifted and black and own it
To proudly acknowledge and embrace one's black identity and all the positive traits that come with being gifted and young.

It's more than a moment
The state of being young, talented, and black is not just a fleeting moment, but a defining characteristic that permeates throughout one's existence.

It's like the sun rose to condone it
The feeling of being young, talented, and black is so powerful and affirming that it is almost as if the universe is endorsing and approving of it.

Before we was trapping we was trapped in
Before being lured into illegal activities, young African-Americans were already stuck in a system that oppressed and limited their opportunities.

Sun and the whips kissing our black skin
A reference to the brutality and violence of slavery, juxtaposed with the beauty and warmth of the sun.

Strange fruit hanging, smell the jasmine
A reference to the lynching of black people in the US, with the scent of jasmine being a reminder of the South where many of these lynchings occurred.

Rock to Coltrane, listen to jazz then
A nod to the cultural richness and creativity of African-Americans, through their contribution to music and art.

Back then we came with names like James, Fatima
A reference to prominent African-American figures who resisted oppression and contributed to the advancement of their community.

Nina, King, dreamer redeemer of the people
Further examples of iconic African-American leaders and artists who inspired and empowered their community.

Songs for the heaple
An extension of the concept of music and art as a means of uplifting and uniting the community as a whole.

Original, spiritual content
The music and art created by African-Americans is unique and deeply rooted in the history, experiences, and spirituality of their community.

You can smell it when it's God-sent
There is a spiritual quality and authenticity to the music and art created by African-Americans that is unmistakable and imbued with divinity.

We keep it moving everyday, we the target
Despite the obstacles, discrimination, and violence that they face, African-Americans continue to persevere and strive for success and equality.

The young, gifted and black on the market
Young, talented, and black people are often commodified, exploited, and subjected to systemic racism in a capitalist society.

Cause of that we pay with our lives
As a result of being targets of racism and exploitation, many African-Americans lose their lives prematurely to violence, discrimination, and poverty.

Or either catching charges
Young, talented, and black people are often unfairly targeted by law enforcement and the criminal justice system, resulting in unwarranted arrests and incarceration.

But yo, the goddess is in God's ears
A reminder that despite the challenges and injustices they face, African-Americans are ultimately heard by a higher power and are connected to something greater.

Mississippi goddam, Ferguson goddam
References to instances of racial violence and oppression that still occur in the US.

Staten Island goddam, Baltimore goddam
Further examples of places where racial tension and violence has led to deaths and unrest.

America damn
A commentary on America's long history of systemic racism and oppression towards African-Americans.

I tell you who I am, but you don't understand
A reference to the struggle of African-Americans to articulate their experiences and identity to a society that often lacks empathy and understanding.

Across the waters I swam
A reference to the forced migration of enslaved Africans to the Americas, and the courage and strength it took for them to survive and thrive in these treacherous conditions.

Son and daughters of the land
A reminder that African-Americans are just as much a part of the American landscape and history as anyone else.

Yeah we the black sheep but
Despite being treated as outsiders and outcasts, African-Americans are still an integral and valuable part of society.

You slaughtering the lamb
A commentary on the systemic violence and oppression that African-Americans continue to face in the US.

You try to silence with your sirens
A reference to the use of police brutality and violence to quell protests and dissent from the African-American community.

Sounds of violence do nothing but divide us
Continued use of violence only serves to further alienate and divide African-Americans from the rest of society.

Evolution of revolution retribution
An acknowledgement of the need for systemic change and the possibility of a revolution to bring about much-needed justice and equality.

It's due us
A reminder that African-Americans are owed justice, reparations, and recognition for the centuries of harm and oppression inflicted upon them.

The old ways of the US, it ain't the new us
A call for society to recognize the progress that has been made and to reject the old ways of discrimination and racism.

Tell em we the stars, they can't shoot us
A metaphorical reference to the resilience and strength of African-Americans, who cannot be defeated or broken by violence, oppression, or hate.

Through prisons and wars
Despite the many attempts to silence and contain them, African-Americans continue to fight for justice and equality even amidst the most oppressive circumstances.

You could no longer recruit us
African-Americans are no longer willing to be complacent in their own oppression, and must be included and valued as equal citizens in society.

Salvation is due us
A call for society to recognize the need for redemption and healing within the African-American community and to work towards real, lasting change.

Even before we came, God knew us god knew us
An acknowledgement of the enduring spirit and legacy of African-Americans, and their deep connection to a higher power that transcends any earthly injustice or oppression.