The group was founded in 1969 by Russell Knighton at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the group was called the Macalester College Black Voices. It was in 1971 when current director Gary Hines took leadership over the ensemble, and the group name was officially changed to Sounds of Blackness.
The chief lead singer of the group was Ann Nesby until 1995 when Nesby left the group to pursue a solo career. The group continues to perform internationally. The group performed the original songs for the 1999 Disney animated short John Henry (based on the folklore character) as part of Disney's American Legends, the short was re-released in 2015 as part of the Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection. The original songs were written by Gary Hines and Billy Steele, with a score by Stephen James Taylor
The group has received three Grammy Awards, four Stellar Awards, one Emmy nomination, the International Time for Peace Award, the International Dance Music Award, five NAACP Image Award nominations and 1 NAACP Image Award.
Sounds of Blackness's "Time For Love" was nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for R&B Song of the year.
A Place In My Heart
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You to succeed
Gave you your warmth
And supplied all your needs
Each day I pray
That you're OK
In every way
Cause there's so much
To learn
And there's so little time
Before your life slips away
Yeah,
But there's one place you can be safe
Yes, you have a place in my heart
No matter where you go
It's never too far
Yes, you have a place in my heart
Even if you go astray
All you have to do is come back home
You know, you have a place in my heart
Now that you're grown
And on your own
Don't feel like you
Are there all alone
No matter what
You're going through
A mother's love
Will always comfort you
Cause there's so much
To learn
And there's so little time
Before your life slips away
Yeah,
But there's one place you can be safe
Yes, you have a place in my heart
No matter where you go
It's never too far
Yes, you have a place in my heart
Even if you go astray
All you have to do is come back home
You have a place in my heart
You have a place in my heart
No matter where you go
Yes you have a place in my heart
No matter where you go
It's never too far
Yes, you have a place in my heart
Even if you go astray
All you have to do is come back home
You have your own place
Right here
If you've done wrong, that's alright
You're never alone. Come on home
Yes, you have a place in my heart
No matter where you go
It's never too far
Yes, you have a place in my heart
The song "A Place In My Heart" by Sounds of Blackness is a powerful tribute to the bond between a mother and child. The lyrics express the love that a mother has for her child and her willingness to always be there for them, even when they go astray. The mother in the song has been a source of support for her child throughout their life, providing them with warmth and meeting their needs. She prays each day that her child is doing well and becoming all they can be. The mother acknowledges that there is so much for her child to learn in such little time before their life slips away. However, there's one place that will always be safe for her child, and that is in her heart.
The song also recognizes that as the child grows up and ventures out on their own, they may feel alone and unsure of themselves at times. The mother reassures her child that no matter what they are going through, her love will always comfort them. Even if the child makes mistakes and goes astray, they will always have a place to come back to in their mother's heart. The mother's love is unconditional and everlasting.
Overall, "A Place In My Heart" is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and love, especially during difficult times. It is a song that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has experienced the bond between a mother and child.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried to help
I made efforts to provide support and assistance
You to succeed
So that you could achieve your goals and accomplish things
Gave you your warmth
I shared my affection and kindness with you
And supplied all your needs
I fulfilled all your essential requirements and necessities
Each day I pray
I express my hopes and wishes for your well-being daily
That you're OK
That you're doing okay and everything is fine with you
In every way
In all aspects of your life
Being all you can be
Maximizing your potential and capabilities
Cause there's so much
Since there's a lot of things
To learn
To acquire new knowledge and skills
And there's so little time
The duration to gain such knowledge is limited
Before your life slips away
Before your life passes you by
Yeah,
Surely,
But there's one place you can be safe
But there exists a specific spot where you can feel secure
Yes, you have a place in my heart
I hold a special position for you in my affection
No matter where you go
Regardless of where you reside
It's never too far
The distance between us is not a hinderance
Even if you go astray
Even if you lose your way
All you have to do is come back home
Just return to my care and vicinity
Now that you're grown
Now that you're adult and independent
And on your own
And self-reliant
Don't feel like you
Don't assume
Are there all alone
That you're stranded by yourself
No matter what
Irrespective of the circumstance
You're going through
That you're undergoing
A mother's love
The affection and care of a parent
Will always comfort you
Will perpetually soothe and reassure you
You have your own place
You have a spot
Right here
Here in my affection
If you've done wrong, that's alright
If you've committed a mistake, it's okay
You're never alone.
You're never by yourself
Come on home
Return to my care and affection
Contributed by Michael V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
HSSU Camera Club
on Black Butterfly
Black Butterfly by Sounds of Blackness
Chorus
Black Butterfly, you can do most anything your heart desires
Freedom comes with understanding who you are
Its time to reclaim your place among the stars
Spread your wings and fly
Awakening the genius has been asleep too long
A people with a beauty rich and strong
A heritage that rates second to none
Original, your qualities, don’t change them to fit in
Now that you’re on top just keep rising
Experience new life, be born again.
Chorus
What’s going on?
To not reveal unless we choose to see
Has generations lost in history
To hide our culture and identity
Keep your pride
You can’t be another color butterfly
So when you shine, let everybody see your light
Cuz you know out of sight means out of mind