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.
Optimistic
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
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Keep, keep on
Never say die
Keep, keep on
The blackness
Keep, keep on
Never say die
Keep, keep on
The blackness
Never say die
Keep, keep, keep
Never say die
Keep, keep on
Never say die
The blackness
Keep, keep on
Never say die
Optimistic
When in the midst of sorrow
You can' t see up when looking down
A brighter day tomorrow will bring, oh
(Optimistic)
You hear the voice of reason
Telling you this can't never be done
No matter how hard reality seems
Just hold on to your dreams, yeah
Don't give up and don't give in
Although it seems you never win
You will always pass the test
As long as you keep your head to the sky
You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky
You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky
Face toward the sky
Be optimistic
If things around you crumble
No, you don't have to stumble and fall
Keep pushing on and don't you look back, oh
(Optimistic)
I know of storms and strife
I been around them all of life
Just think ahead and you'll be inspired
To reach higher and higher
You'll always do your best
If you learn to never say never
You may be down, but you're not out
Just be optimistic
Don't give up and don't give in
Although it seems you never win
You will always pass the test
As long as you keep your head to the sky
My, my, my
You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky (you can win child)
You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky
Face toward the sky
Be optimistic
Don't you let no body stop you
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win, yea
Never say die
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Optimistic
Never say die
You can be optimistic
You can win (never say die)
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
You can win
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Be optimistic
Sounds of Blackness's song "Optimistic" is a powerful anthem of hope and perseverance. The introductory lyrics "The blackness keep, keep on, never say die," sets the tone for the rest of the song, showcasing a message of resilience through difficult times. The song encourages listeners to remain optimistic as they face adversity and to keep their heads up no matter what life throws their way.
The chorus reinforces this message by repeating "As long as you keep your head to the sky, you can win, be optimistic." The song suggests that one should maintain their focus on their dreams and goals, even when facing challenges and negativity. The lyrics advise listeners not to give up, don't give in, and always do their best, even when it seems like they're not winning. Ultimately, the message of the song is clear: as long as one remains optimistic, they can achieve their dreams and overcome any obstacle.
Overall, "Optimistic" is an inspiring and uplifting song that encourages listeners to maintain hope and focus on their goals. The song's message of perseverance and hope has resonated with listeners for nearly 30 years since its release.
Line by Line Meaning
The blackness
The strength, resilience, and unity of the Black community.
Keep, keep on
Continue to persist and persevere even in difficult times.
Never say die
Do not give up hope or give into despair.
Optimistic
Maintain a positive outlook and attitude towards the future.
When in the midst of sorrow
During times of sadness or grief.
You can't see up when looking down
It can be hard to imagine a brighter future when currently experiencing hardship.
A brighter day tomorrow will bring, oh
Despite current difficulties, tomorrow is a new day with potential for positive change.
You hear the voice of reason
The rational, optimistic part of yourself that encourages perseverance and hope.
Telling you this can't never be done
Discouraging thoughts that suggest achieving success is impossible.
No matter how hard reality seems
Regardless of how difficult present circumstances may be.
Just hold on to your dreams, yeah
Maintain hope and belief in your aspirations and goals.
Don't give up and don't give in
Refuse to give up on yourself or your goals, even in the face of obstacles.
Although it seems you never win
Despite setbacks or failures, keep pushing forward.
You will always pass the test
With perseverance and determination, you will succeed eventually.
As long as you keep your head to the sky
Maintain a positive outlook and attitude towards the future.
You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky
With an optimistic mindset and perseverance, success is possible.
Face toward the sky
Look ahead to the future with positivity and hope.
Be optimistic
Maintain a positive outlook and attitude towards life.
If things around you crumble
During times of upheaval or chaos.
No, you don't have to stumble and fall
Despite external circumstances, you can maintain balance and resilience.
Keep pushing on and don't you look back, oh
Persist and endure, not letting setbacks or past failures hold you back.
I know of storms and strife
I have experienced difficulties and challenges.
I been around them all of life
Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous hardships and challenges.
Just think ahead and you'll be inspired
Looking forward to the future can be motivating and provide inspiration.
To reach higher and higher
To strive for even greater achievements and success.
You'll always do your best
With dedication and hard work, you will always achieve your personal best.
If you learn to never say never
Developing a mindset of perseverance and determination, refusing to give up.
You may be down, but you're not out
Experiencing setbacks or failures does not mean ultimate defeat or failure.
Don't you let no body stop you
Do not allow others to bring you down or discourage you from pursuing your goals.
You can win, yea
Achieving success and achieving one's goals is possible.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of enthusiasm or positivity.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gary Dennis Hines, James Samuel Harris, Terry Steven 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