Spalding continued to branch out, playing with jazz groups as well as leading her own septet and trio. In 2002 she joined the hip-hop group Black Science Tribe, which gained a sizable following touring along the West Coast.
Since moving East to attend the Berklee College of Music, Ms. Spalding has regularly worked as a freelance bassist and singer, both locally and internationally. Ms. Spalding has worked with many notable Grammy-winning artists such as pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, saxophonist Joe Lovano, violinist Regina Carter, guitarist Pat Metheny, and singer Patti Austin.
She has also performed as a member of the Boston Pops, with drummers Bill Stewart (John Scofield, Chris Potter, Joe Lovano), Terri-Lyne Carrington (Herbie Hancock), Mark Walker (Paquito D'Rivera), as well as guitarist Adam Rogers (Michael Brecker, Chris Potter), saxophonist Seamus Blake (Mingus Big Band, Bloomdaddies), and trumpeter Byron Stripling and performed as an opening act for comedian and sometimes-jazz drummer/vocalist Bill Cosby.
Recently, Ms. Spalding released her debut album as a leader, Junjo on the Barcelona based jazz label Ayva Music. Her CD features pianist Aruan Ortiz, and drummer Francisco Mela.
She is the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Spalding holds a B.M. from Berklee College of Music, where she also enjoys the status as the youngest faculty member ever in the history of the College. Esperanza recently became a new artist represented by the Montuno management agency.
In 2009 she played at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo(Norway), as the Nobel Peace Prize winner,
Barack Obama, artist of choice.
In 2011 she was awarded the Grammy for best new artist, the only Jazz musician to be awarded the Grammy.
Black Gold
Esperanza Spalding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
But you're golden, baby
Black gold with a diamond soul
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization
They'll be folks hell bent on putting you down
Don't get burned (don't get burned)
Not necessarily everyone will know your worth
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization
Think of all the strength you have in you
Powerful, powerful men
Built us a civilization
Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization
Think of all the strength you have in you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization
Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are black gold, black gold
You are black gold
You are
You are
You are
Hold your head up
Don't give up
You are black gold
You are
You are
Black gold
The lyrics of Esperanza Spalding’s song “Black Gold” empower people who have been marginalized by society. In the song, Esperanza encourages individuals to hold their heads high, even when life gets challenging. She acknowledges that life is not always easy and can be painful, but she reminds the listener that they are still important and worthy of respect. Esperanza speaks directly to the African American community when she says, “Think of all the strength you have in you, from the blood you carry within you, ancient men, powerful men, built us a civilization.” The song celebrates the strength of African Americans, acknowledges the challenges they have faced, and it inspires listeners to remember their worth.
Esperanza Spalding wrote this song as a response to the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012. She was deeply affected by the incident, and seeing the disproportionate effect it had on the black community inspired her to write this song about the importance of self-love and self-worth. Its universal messages, however, make it an anthem for anyone who has felt marginalized or undervalued.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold your head as high as you can
Have self-confidence and cultivate self-pride
High enough to see who you are, little man
Be proud of your roots and acknowledge your true identity
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Acknowledge that life can be tough and challenging
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
Don't rely on others to boost your self-worth and self-esteem
You are black gold, black gold
You are precious and valuable
Now maybe no one else has ever told you so
You may not have been recognized for your true value
But you're golden, baby
You are precious and valuable
Black gold with a diamond soul
You have a noble and precious spirit
Think of all the strength you have in you
Acknowledge your inner strength and resilience
From the blood you carry within you
Be proud of your ancestry and heritage
Ancient men, powerful men
Your ancestors were strong and powerful
Built us a civilization
Your ancestors contributed to the creation of human civilization
They'll be folks hell bent on putting you down
Some people will try to diminish or undermine your worth
Don't get burned (don't get burned)
Don't let others bring you down or discourage you
Not necessarily everyone will know your worth
Some people may underestimate or overlook your value
Powerful, powerful men
Your ancestors were strong and powerful
Hold your head up
Be proud and confident
Don't give up
Persist and persevere, despite obstacles or setbacks
You are
You have intrinsic worth and value
You are black gold
You are precious and valuable
You are
You have intrinsic worth and value
You are
You have intrinsic worth and value
Black gold
You are precious and valuable
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Esperanza Spalding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-rs9ft1fu4m
Going into 2024, still playing this on repeat , and sharing with brothers and sisters <3 Thanks, Esperanza <3
@armjeligon5395
Black bassist here. I do appreciate this song a lot.
@peggyg9488
I was at this video shoot and I tell you it was a perfect day in NYC, she was gracious and social to all of us extras, the music was banging (yes they had an impromptu jam session after the filming), we got tee shirts and were fed.
One of the top 5 best days in the last 5 years for me...
@kylamarshell688
I was there too!
@GrantJolanta
we were fed. GOOD. ahaaa CRUCIAL detail right there ;) love it
@dianewentz9400
Peggy G: Was the recording of the song done in one take?
@phntsticpeg
@@dianewentz9400 No, they did several angles and takes. But they would play the song in full, take a break, change angles and do it again. We did sing along and clap so they got that audio.
In the interim between breaks we would hang out. Most extras just hung out but her die hard fans were up in the front chatting her and Algebra up. I've met her once before and I can say she is an awesome person.
You can't see any of us in this video. I guess we weren't cute enough.Doesn't matter, it's stll hands down one of the best NYC days I've ever had and I'm over 50.
@phntsticpeg
@aidan pee Yes, yes it was!
@jonathanw8461
Brings tears to my eyes! Our young kings need to hear this!
@lisabrown4852
I sing this to my 3 babies (actually 1 grown, 1 tween and my little 3 yr old) Cause they are so precious, black gold!!