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.
Hold on Part 1
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
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but I know just who who to call on when I need relief I pray to help me fight
the pressure, the pressure, the pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure, the pressure, the pressure pressure of the world
The pressure, the pressure, the pressure pressure of the world
Playin' on the tension and your weakness are addictions
that lure your mind You can fight it. You can win
To help you fight the pressure, the pressure, the pressure
pressure of the world
We all have our burdens to carry
I know when mine get to heavy
He's always there to bear the load
Give me strength and comfort any time I need relief
from the pressures of the world I just believe
The Sounds of Blackness song, "The Pressure," explores the struggles of life and the pressures we face every day. The opening lines express the financial struggle of the singer as they try to make ends meet with too many bills and not enough money. However, they acknowledge their source of strength, and they pray for relief to fight against the pressure of the world. The repetition of the phrase "the pressure of the world" emphasizes the weight and severity of the challenges facing the singer.
The second verse highlights the addictive nature of the world's pleasures and the need to fight against them. The lyrics urge listeners to resist temptation and turn to prayer for deliverance from the pressure that comes from these vices. The final verse acknowledges that everyone has their own burdens to bear, but through faith, the singer finds comfort and strength to overcome their challenges.
Overall, "The Pressure" encourages listeners to turn to their faith to find the strength to overcome the pressures of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
My back is against the wall more bills than money to pay
I am in a difficult financial situation with more debts than income.
but I know just who who to call on when I need relief
I have someone I can rely on to help me when I need support.
I pray to help me fight the pressure, the pressure, the pressure, pressure of the world
I ask for divine assistance to help me overcome the stress and challenges of life.
The pressure, the pressure, the pressure pressure of the world
Life can be overwhelming with its demands and expectations.
Playin' on the tension and your weakness are addictions
Negative influences can exploit your vulnerabilities and create unhealthy dependencies.
that lure your mind You can fight it. You can win
These temptations are not invincible and can be overcome with determination and effort.
For your deliverance, just bow your head and pray
Prayer can provide a path to healing, liberation, and redemption.
We all have our burdens to carry
Everyone faces challenges and struggles in life.
I know when mine get too heavy
When my problems become too much to bear,
He's always there to bear the load
I can lean on God for support and strength.
Give me strength and comfort any time I need relief
God can provide me with the resilience and solace I require.
from the pressures of the world I just believe
I trust that God can help me overcome the stress and anxieties of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES HARRIS III, JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, TERRY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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