McCoy goes by the stage name of "Martin Luther" in his music career. For his acting work he is credited under his full name.
Martin Luther released his first solo album The Calling in 1999 and followed it with an independent release of his second album Rebel Soul Music in 2004 on his own label Rebel Soul Records; his next release "Serial Thriller" is due for release in early 2008.
Martin Luther McCoy plays the part of Jojo in the 2007 film "Across the Universe".
RISE
Martin Luther McCoy Lyrics
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What's happnin' little brother / are you (still) getting by?
On the corner everyday, you like to pay / are you still (are you still), getting high?
Now I'm only your reflection / deeply by the chocolate soul complexion.
But here we go to rise again / would you please tell a friend / to come on in.
Take your time and make sure that you do it right .
While the Cadillac leans from side to side while I'm hangin' with my friends.
Just to be alive is a reason to ride, especially with my kin.
Open your eyes don't you be surprised, when we start to win.
Sometimes I want to feel like I'm the one in control (nothing to loose yea)
And take back every element of me that they stole (so hard)
I'll be fine when I heal my mind, body, and soul. (Until then)
Take your time (take your time) and make sure that you do it right .
(we'll be makin' moves)
Makin' moves while knowing God is on our side.
While the Cadillac leans from side to side when I'm hangin' with my friends.
Just to be alive is a reason to ride, especially with my kin.
Hit a little something that will feel it right / just might hit it again. (just might hit it again)
Open your eyes don't you be surprised, when we start to win.
(in case you didn't know)
I feel you all the time (when is it gonna work out, I have no doubt)
Yes I do, I do (this song is a dedication to the inspirational.)
I know your grindin but I want you to keep in mind
Take your time and make sure you do it right . (make sure that you do it right yeaaa)
Makin movies while knowing God is on our side.
(you gotta know, you just got to believe yea)
No one can make you want it more than you, so rise. (don't you ever)
Don't give up the spirit of the phoenix, rise! X 3
The Martin Luther McCoy song Rise is a call to action for those who are struggling, especially young men who are caught up in the cycle of drugs and street life. The song opens with a question to a "little brother," asking if he's still struggling and getting high. The singer then identifies with the listener, saying that they share a "chocolate soul complexion." The chorus repeats "take your time and make sure that you do it right" as a reminder that success takes effort and patience.
Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes the importance of community and connection. "Would you please tell a friend to come on in" is a direct call to action, urging the listener to share their struggles and successes with others. The reference to "taking back every element of me that they stole" suggests a sense of oppression or marginalization that the singer has faced, but the refrain "open your eyes don't you be surprised when we start to win" is an optimistic reminder that victory is possible.
The repeated image of the leaning Cadillac suggests both the precariousness of life on the street and the sense of style and ownership that can come with it. "Hit a little something that will feel it right" is a reference to drug use, but it's paired with the idea of finding pleasure in companionship, as the singer declares that being "alive is a reason to ride, especially with my kin." Overall, the song is a heartfelt call to action that celebrates the resilience and strength of those who struggle against adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
What's happnin' little brother / are you (still) getting by?
How are you doing? Are you still surviving the daily struggles of life?
On the corner everyday, you like to pay / are you still (are you still), getting high?
Are you still resorting to drugs, to cope up with the challenges of life?
Now I'm only your reflection / deeply by the chocolate soul complexion.
I am just like you, with a similar background and struggle, and thus, can understand you deeply.
But here we go to rise again / would you please tell a friend / to come on in.
Let's rise above our struggles again, and let's inspire others to do the same.
Take your time and make sure that you do it right .
Take your time and don't rush towards success, it's important to do it right and with integrity.
While the Cadillac leans from side to side while I'm hangin' with my friends.
I am enjoying the luxuries of life, but it doesn't define me or my worth.
Just to be alive is a reason to ride, especially with my kin.
Being alive itself is a reason to celebrate and enjoy life, especially with those who are close to us.
Hit a little something that will feel it right / just might hit it again. (just might hit it again).
Sometimes, we indulge in little pleasures that make us feel good, but we need to be careful not to get addicted to them.
Open your eyes don't you be surprised, when we start to win.
Let's have faith and be positive, because good things are bound to happen if we work hard enough.
Sometimes I want to feel like I'm the one in control (nothing to loose yea)
I want to feel like I am the master of my own fate, and that I have nothing to lose by taking charge of my life.
And take back every element of me that they stole (so hard)
I want to reclaim back every part of myself that was taken away from me, which may not be easy, but it's worth it.
I'll be fine when I heal my mind, body, and soul. (Until then)
I know that I will be okay once I have healed myself from the inside out, and until then, I will keep working on myself.
Makin' moves while knowing God is on our side.
We are making significant progress in life, knowing that God is guiding and supporting us through our journey.
I feel you all the time (when is it gonna work out, I have no doubt)
I sense your presence and support all the time, and I have no doubt that things will work out for me eventually.
Yes I do, I do (this song is a dedication to the inspirational.)
I am dedicating this song to all the inspiring people who are striving hard and making a difference in the world.
I know your grindin but I want you to keep in mind
I understand that you are working hard, but I want you to remember something important.
No one can make you want it more than you, so rise. (don't you ever)
No one can motivate you as much as you can, so never give up and keep rising higher.
Don't give up the spirit of the phoenix, rise! X 3
Don't lose hope and keep rising again and again, just like the mythical bird, Phoenix, which rises from its ashes.
Contributed by Micah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.