Most of her career has been as lead singer for The Staple Singers. She first recorded solo for the Stax subsidiary Volt in 1969. Subsequent efforts included a Curtis Mayfield-produced soundtrack on Curtom, a nod to disco for Warner Bros. Records in 1979, a stab at electro-pop with Holland-Dozier-Holland in 1984, and a collaboration with Prince in the late 1980s and early 90s (producing the two solo albums Time Waits for No One in 1989 and The Voice in 1993, and various other collaborations). Staples has a rich contralto voice that has neither the range of Aretha Franklin nor the power of Patti LaBelle. Her otherworldly power comes instead from a masterful command of phrasing and a deep-seated sensuality expressed through timbre manipulation. Both the Staple Singers and Mavis found fresh audiences stemming from their participation on the CD Rhythm, Country and Blues, and in 1996 she issued Spirituals and Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson. Her next recording project didn't land for another eight years, although Have a Little Faith on Alligator Records became her highest profile release in years.
Staples released a new album for Anti- Records titled We'll Never Turn Back on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on songs of the civil rights movement and includes two new original songs.
See also:
Wikipedia
Official Site
On My Way
Mavis Staples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To freedom land.
I'm on my way
Oh, to freedom land.
I'm on my way.
Freedom land
I'm on my way
Great God Almighty,
I asked my brother
Oh, to come with me
I asked my brother
Oh, to come with me
I asked my brother:
Come with me!
I'm on my way
Great God Almighty,
I'm on my way?
I asked my sister:
Won?t you go with me?
I asked my sister
Come go with me?
I asked my sister
To go with me.
I'm on my way
Great God Almighty,
I'm on my way!..
If they say: No!
I'll go alone.
If they say: No!
I'll go alone.
If they say - no, no, no, no!
I'll go alone!
I'm on my way Great God Almighty,
I'm on my way?
I'm on my way
And I won't turn back.
I'm on my way
Oh, Lord, I won't turn back.
I'm on my way
Mmm,I won't turn back.
I'm on my way
Praise God
I'm on my way?
I'm on my way?
Oh, I won't turn back
I'm on my way
I won't turn back!
I'm on my way
Hey!
I won't turn back?
No, no, no!
I'm on my way
Praise God Almighty!
I'm on my way?
The lyrics of Mavis Staples's song On My Way are a powerful expression of determination and hope in the face of adversity. The repeated refrain "I'm on my way to freedom land" signifies the desire for liberation from oppression and a longing for a better future. This phrase could be interpreted as a metaphorical journey towards personal growth, social justice, or both.
Throughout the song, the singer asks their brother and sister to join them on this journey, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support. However, even if they are refused or discouraged, the singer declares that they will continue to pursue their goal alone. The line "If they say no, no, no, no! I'll go alone!" highlights their unbreakable spirit and unwavering determination.
The mention of "Great God Almighty" and "Praise God" in the lyrics adds a spiritual dimension to the song, suggesting that the singer's quest is not only personal but also connected to a higher purpose. The repetition of the phrase "I won't turn back" reinforces their commitment to this goal and amplifies the sense of urgency and conviction.
Overall, Mavis Staples's On My Way is a powerful anthem of resilience and perseverance that speaks to the human desire for freedom, justice, and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on my way
I am currently traveling towards my destination
To freedom land.
I am headed towards a place of freedom.
Oh, to freedom land.
I am excited to be headed towards a place of freedom.
Freedom land
The place I am traveling to symbolizes freedom.
Great God Almighty,
I'm on my way?
I am asking God to acknowledge my journey towards freedom.
I asked my brother
I requested that my brother come with me on this journey.
Come with me!
I implored my brother to accompany me on this journey.
I asked my sister:
I requested that my sister come with me on my journey.
Come go with me?
I implored my sister to accompany me on this journey.
If they say - no, no, no, no!
If my siblings refuse to come with me, even after my requests.
I'll go alone!
I will travel to freedom land on my own if I have to.
And I won't turn back.
I am determined to reach my destination and not give up.
Oh, Lord, I won't turn back.
I am asking God to give me the strength to persevere on this journey.
Mmm,I won't turn back.
I am resolute in my mission to reach freedom land.
Hey!
An exclamation of excitement.
No, no, no!
I will not give up on this journey, no matter what.
Praise God Almighty!
I am giving thanks to God for helping me on my journey towards freedom.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROEBUCK STAPLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nancy Foix
I'm on my way
To freedom land
I'm on my way
Oh, to freedom land
I'm on my way
Freedom land
I'm on my way
Great god all mighty
I'm on my way
I asked my brother
Oh, to come with me
I asked my brother
Oh, to come with me
I asked my brother
Come with me
I'm on my way
Great god all mighty
I'm on my way
I asked sister
Won't you go with me
I asked my sister
Come go with me
I asked my sister
To go with me
I'm on my way
Great all mighty
I'm on my way
If they say no
I'll go alone
If they say no
I'll go alone
If they say no, no, no, no
I'll go alone
I'm on my way great god all mighty
I'm on my way
I'm on my way
And I won't turn back
I'm on my way
Oh, and I won't turn back
I'm on my way
Mmm I won't turn back
I'm on my way
Praise god
I'm on my way
I'm on my way
Oh,I won't turn back
I'm on my way
I won't turn back
I'm on my way
Hey
I won't turn back no, no, no
I'm on my way
Praise god
I'm on my way
SpiralOnUp
i bet it was really like that when slaves escaped up north.... plus of course the metaphysical meaning...
Jeff S
Any Prince input here?