Goapele attended the Berkeley Arts Magnet School in Berkeley, California. During these years, she joined several groups that fought racism and sexism. She also sang in the Oakland Youth Choir and joined a group called Vocal Motion. After graduating from high school, Goapele attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she studied music theory.
In 2001, she signed with Skyblaze Recordings/Columbia Records, and in 2002, she released her first album Even Closer, featuring the single "Closer". She co-wrote and co-produced the entire album, which is a mixture of neo soul and jazz. She also toured North America with band Spearhead.
Apart from her solo work, she has collaborated with rappers Aceyalone, E-40, Hieroglyphics, and Triple Threat, and written for jazz trio Soulive.
Her second album Change It All, featuring the single "First Love", was released in December 2005.
Find A Way
Goapele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause there's always a price to pay
But it's your road and your choice to make
Start new today
And I know we'll find a way
I know we'll make a way
I know we'll find a way
On November 2nd, election day
I will be thinking that things could change
I voted for the lesser of evil
How many relate?
And it didn't scream, didn't move away
Instead of ending the hurt it bring
Someone, 2005 to the 1958
Well, I know
I know we'll find a way
I know we'll make a way
I know we'll find a way
Let's start here today
I wonder how far things could escalate
Before the streets light up in rage
Civility slipping away
What more will it take?
'Til it's your cousin that dies of AIDS
'Til your pregnant daughter can't find a place
'Til most of the youth end up locked away
A chance we can't take
I know we'll find a way
I know we'll make a way
I know we'll find a way
Let's start here today
I know we'll find a way
I know we'll make a way
I know we'll find a way
Let's start here today
The lyrics to Goapele's song "Go Find A Way" are a call to action for listeners to take control of their lives and make the choices that will lead them to their desired destination. The song speaks to the pressures society places on individuals to conform to a set path and the associated prices that must be paid. However, the chorus proclaims that no matter the obstacles, there is always a way forward and the power to begin anew lies within the individual.
The second verse points to the importance of voting as a means of creating change and how it can be disheartening to have to choose the lesser of two evils. The lyrics then transition to the potential consequences of failing to make the necessary changes, with the singer asking how bad things will have to get before people take action. The final verse highlights the real-world consequences of inaction, from the spread of AIDS to the incarceration of youth, emphasizing the urgent need to take action now.
Overall, "Go Find A Way" encourages listeners to reject the societal norms that may hold them back and make choices that align with their personal goals and values. The song also emphasizes the importance of taking action now to prevent future suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
They'll make you think it's the only way
Society will lead you to believe that there's only one way to live.
Cause there's always a price to pay
No matter what you do there will always be a consequence.
But it's your road and your choice to make
Ultimately, you have the power to choose the path you take in life.
Start new today
It's never too late to make a change and start fresh.
And I know we'll find a way
Despite the challenges, I have faith that we will overcome and find a solution.
I know we'll make a way
We have the ability to create change and achieve our goals.
Let's start here today
The time to start making a difference is now.
On November 2nd, election day
On a specific day, the people have the opportunity to choose their leaders.
I will be thinking that things could change
There is hope for change and progress.
I voted for the lesser of evil
Sometimes we have to choose between options that are not ideal.
How many relate?
Many people can understand the struggle of making tough decisions.
And it didn't scream, didn't move away
Instead of avoiding the issue, it's important to face it head on.
Instead of ending the hurt it bring
Ignoring problems will only cause them to get worse.
Someone, 2005 to the 1958
Past generations struggled with many of the same issues we face today.
Well, I know
Despite the challenges, I still have faith in the human spirit.
I wonder how far things could escalate
The situation may worsen and there's always a risk of things getting out of hand.
Before the streets light up in rage
People may turn to violence and chaos as a way of expressing their frustrations.
Civility slipping away
The fabric of society is fraying and people are losing their sense of respect for one another.
What more will it take?
How much worse does the situation have to get before people take meaningful action?
'Til it's your cousin that dies of AIDS
Sometimes it takes a personal tragedy for people to wake up to the seriousness of an issue.
'Til your pregnant daughter can't find a place
When issues affect us directly, we are more likely to take action and demand change.
'Til most of the youth end up locked away
When young people are marginalized and excluded, it can lead to negative outcomes for society as a whole.
A chance we can't take
We can't afford to sit back and do nothing, we need to take action to address these issues.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GOAPELE K. MOHLABANE, JOSEPH EPPERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind