Mississippi Goddam
Nina Simone Lyrics
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And I mean every word of it
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Alabama's gotten me so upset
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Can't you see it
Can't you feel it
It's all in the air
I can't stand the pressure much longer
Somebody say a prayer
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
This is a show tune
But the show hasn't been written for it, yet
Hound dogs on my trail
School children sitting in jail
Black cat cross my path
I think every day's gonna be my last
Lord have mercy on this land of mine
We all gonna get it in due time
I don't belong here
I don't belong there
I've even stopped believing in prayer
Don't tell me
I tell you
Me and my people just about due
I've been there so I know
They keep on saying "Go slow"
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Washing the windows
"Do it slow"
Picking the cotton
"Do it slow"
You're just plain rotten
"Do it slow"
You're too damn lazy
"Do it slow"
The thinking's crazy
"Do it slow"
Where am I going?
What am I doing?
I don't know
I don't know
Just try to do your very best
Stand up be counted with all the rest
For everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
I bet you thought I was kiddin' didn't you
Picket lines
School boycotts
They try to say it's a communist plot
All I want is equality
For my sister, my brother, my people, and me
Yes, you lied to me all these years
You told me to wash and clean my ears
And talk real fine just like a lady
And you'd stop calling me Sister Sadie
Oh, but this whole country is full of lies
You're all gonna die and die like flies
I don't trust you any more
You keep on saying "Go slow"
"Go slow"
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Desegregation
"Do it slow"
Mass participation
"Do it slow"
Reunification
"Do it slow"
Do things gradually
"Do it slow"
But bring more tragedy
"Do it slow"
Why don't you see it?
Why don't you feel it?
I don't know
I don't know
You don't have to live next to me
Just give me my equality
Everybody knows about Mississippi
Everybody knows about Alabama
Everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam, that's it
Nina Simone's Mississippi Goddamn is a protest song against the racism, lynchings and Jim Crow laws in the southern United States during the 1960s. The song begins with the catchy chorus “The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddamn, and I mean every word of it” expressing Simone's anger and frustration, a sentiment that is present throughout the song. Simone sings about the discriminations in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi, suggesting that the whole south is complicit in these crimes. She sings, “Can't you see it? Can't you feel it? It's all in the air”, repeating these lines to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
The lyrics of the song detail the daily struggle for African Americans with lines like “Hound dogs on my trail, School children sitting in jail, Black cat cross my path”. Simone is seeking God's mercy on the country, stating that “We are all going to get it [punished] in due time”. She questions her own faith, singing "I even stopped believing in prayer”. The song also references the danger inherent in protesting against the Jim Crow laws with lines like “Picket lines”, “School boycotts”, and “They try to say it's a communist plot”. But the song ends with a call to arms, reminding the listeners to fight against inequality and for their human rights by standing up and being counted.
Line by Line Meaning
The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddamn
And I mean every word of it
This song is called Mississippi Goddamn and I genuinely mean every word of it
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
The state of Alabama has made me extremely frustrated, and I can't sleep because of the state of Tennessee. Everyone knows about the situation in Mississippi
Can't you see it
Can't you feel it
It's all in the air
I can't stand the pressure much longer
Somebody say a prayer
Can't you feel the tension in the air? I'm at my limit and can't take much more. Someone please pray for us
This is a show tune
But the show hasn't been written for it, yet
This is a song that could be part of a stage musical, but it doesn't exist yet
Hound dogs on my trail
School children sitting in jail
Black cat cross my path
I think every day's gonna be my last
I feel like I'm being hunted, blacklisted and doomed for expressing my anger and frustration
Lord have mercy on this land of mine
We all gonna get it in due time
I don't belong here
I don't belong there
I've even stopped believing in prayer
I pray that God will have mercy on this country. We'll all suffer from the evil that exists here. I don't feel like I belong anywhere or even believe in divine intervention anymore
Don't tell me
I tell you
Me and my people just about due
I've been there so I know
They keep on saying "Go slow"
Don't tell me to be patient; my people have waited long enough. I've been there and witnessed the same message to "Go slow" repeatedly
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Washing the windows
"Do it slow"
Picking the cotton
"Do it slow"
You're just plain rotten
"Do it slow"
You're too damn lazy
"Do it slow"
The thinking's crazy
"Do it slow"
Where am I going?
What am I doing?
I don't know
I don't know
The problem is that you want us to make progress slowly. Wash windows, pick cotton gradually. You're useless and misguided. Where are you leading us? What are we doing? I have no idea
Just try to do your very best
Stand up be counted with all the rest
For everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Just do your best and join the struggle for equality. Everyone knows about the situation in Mississippi
I bet you thought I was kiddin' didn't you
You probably thought I was joking, didn't you?
Picket lines
School boycotts
They try to say it's a communist plot
All I want is equality
For my sister, my brother, my people, and me
We're protesting and boycotting to demand equality. Some say we're communists. All I want is equal rights for everyone
Yes, you lied to me all these years
You told me to wash and clean my ears
And talk real fine just like a lady
And you'd stop calling me Sister Sadie
You've been lying to me for years, saying that if I wash up and learn proper speech, I'll be respected. And you'd stop calling me a stereotype
Oh, but this whole country is full of lies
You're all gonna die and die like flies
I don't trust you any more
You keep on saying "Go slow"
"Go slow"
This entire country is built on lies. You'll all die in large numbers, and I don't trust anyone. The advice to "go slow" isn't helping
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Desegregation
"Do it slow"
Mass participation
"Do it slow"
Reunification
"Do it slow"
Do things gradually
"Do it slow"
But bring more tragedy
"Do it slow"
Why don't you see it?
Why don't you feel it?
I don't know
I don't know
The problem is the demand to do everything 'slow.' Desegregation, mass participation, and reunification should receive **urgent** attention. Diminishing it will lead to nothing but a tragedy that no one can afford. Don't you see and feel it?
You don't have to live next to me
Just give me my equality
Everybody knows about Mississippi
Everybody knows about Alabama
Everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam, that's it
You don't have to live next to me or even like me, merely give me the same opportunities as you. Mississippi, Alabama and the whole nation know about the appalling situation, and that's the bottom line
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nina Simone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@VolkColopatrion
true. but that doesn't mean one should be a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. the purpose of an activist is to make things right so they dont' need to do activism any more.
there's bigger problems out there. there was a mass shotting that happened because of some gang beef. not three days ago... where is that in the news? https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1008430846741700608
https://imgur.com/gallery/PSBRegY all the pride month activists seem to be OK with bullying gay people in less fortunate countries to death... and then having the nerve to say the USA is bad on that... in countries where it is illegal to be gay. where one can be arrested and killed with no legal recourse.
BLM started over police brutality but didn't care about anyone shot in detroit and now that a school shooting happened in a white neighborhood everyone is against the right to own a gun... the right that should stand. Colin noir said it best that David Hog's white privilege is trying to take away guns from people that weren't even considered people.
we have people that SAY they fight for justice and then gentrify and colonize entertainment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-UBfkUVGk4 as seen here. say things are "problematic" you have to defend everyone's rights even the rights of the people you dont' like or else we won't have them.
https://twitter.com/DefiantlyFree/status/1008541862519451648 this person has it right.
When you bring up the fact that Women's victory for reproductive rights directly cause a queer health crisis (aids, access to hrt) that could have been prevented. suddenly people don't sing your praises. when you point out how the Alberta NDP has a two track system for health care in violation of the Equal Care Act and 94% of planned parenthood denies HRT or at best forces one to go through a gate keeper... the "liberals" get upset when you point out their bullshit
@illustryfe5354
The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddam
And I mean every word of it
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Can't you see it
Can't you feel it
It's all in the air
I can't stand the pressure much longer
Somebody say a prayer
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
This is a show tune
But the show hasn't been written for it, yet
Hound dogs on my trail
School children sitting in jail
Black cat cross my path
I think every day's gonna be my last
Lord have mercy on this land of mine
We all gonna get it in due time
I don't belong here
I don't belong there
I've even stopped believing in prayer
Don't tell me
I tell you
Me and my people just about due
I've been there so I know
They keep on saying "Go slow!"
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Washing the windows
"Do it slow"
Picking the cotton
"Do it slow"
You're just plain rotten
"Do it slow"
You're too damn lazy
"Do it slow"
The thinking's crazy
"Do it slow"
Where am I going
What am I doing
I don't know
I don't know
Just try to do your very best
Stand up be counted with all the rest
For everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
I made you thought I was kiddin'
Picket lines
School boy cots
They try to say it's a communist plot
All I want is equality
For my sister my brother my people and me
Yes you lied to me all these years
You told me to wash and clean my ears
And talk real fine just like a lady
And you'd stop calling me Sister Sadie
Oh but this whole country is full of lies
You're all gonna die and die like flies
I don't trust you any more
You keep on saying "Go slow!"
"Go slow!"
But that's just the trouble
"Do it slow"
Desegregation
"Do it slow"
Mass participation
"Do it slow"
Reunification
"Do it slow"
Do things gradually
"Do it slow"
But bring more tragedy
"Do it slow"
Why don't you see it
Why don't you feel it
I don't know
I don't know
You don't have to live next to me
Just give me my equality
Everybody knows about Mississippi
Everybody knows about Alabama
Everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
That's it!
@seo.schweiz
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, was a remarkable American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her powerful voice, distinctive style, and versatile musical talent made her one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Simone's musical journey began with classical piano training, and she initially aspired to become a concert pianist. However, her interest in jazz, blues, and gospel music led her to explore a diverse range of genres, ultimately shaping her unique sound. Her soulful interpretations, rich contralto voice, and heartfelt delivery allowed her to captivate audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, Simone released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "I Put a Spell on You," "Wild Is the Wind," and "Sings the Blues." Her repertoire encompassed a wide variety of styles, from jazz and blues to folk and pop. She was known for her ability to infuse songs with deep emotion, bringing a sense of urgency and authenticity to her performances.
Beyond her musical contributions, Nina Simone was a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. Her songs, such as "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" and "Mississippi Goddam," reflected her activism and expressed the struggles and hopes of the African American community during the turbulent 1960s.
Nina Simone's legacy extends far beyond her musical achievements. She used her platform to challenge social injustices and fought for equality. Her influence on subsequent generations of musicians is profound, and her legacy as an artist and activist continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
@destinyjackson8363
her whole point was to let you know, she wasn't performing; she was informing!
@joshmartinez6695
@The kiss of Harambe get a life .
@nifielove8370
Exactly!!! People on here acting like she was 'constructively expressing her opinions thru music'. No goddammit these r FACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💯💯💯 Where is the lie?!?! The proof is in present day 2020 🤷🏾♀️
Man some people just still don't get it...🤦🏾♀️😒
@everetttanner1343
Destiny Jackson damn your right she was warning us.
@everetttanner1343
@The kiss of Harambe fuck outta here with that dumb shit .
@everetttanner1343
@@joshmartinez6695 tell that clown again
@comicjohnladams
Nina looks so mad because she knows that after this performance she and the band have to eat at a back door and sleep in the bus. Miss this sister and this kind of boldness. "That's it!"
@mws8389
Apparently, you have knowledge of the way black people were treated at this jazz festival in Antibes, France in 1965. Oh, wait, you don't? You're just casually accusing people you don't know anything about, of being racist? That's what I thought.
@comicjohnladams
MWS I like that you think that you thought.
@Skarfp
That type of treatment is long past acceptable. This is a new day and we have to power to change it.