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.
The Pressure
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
More bills than money to pay
But I know just who, just who to call on
When I need relief I pray to help me fight
The pressure, the pressures of the world
Hmm, the pressure
The pressure
The pressure of the world, oh oh
Oh oh
Woah oh
Oh
Playin' on the tensions of your weakness and addictions
That lure your mind and strength
You can fight it, you can win
For your deliverance, just bow your head and pray
(To help me fight) The pressure (The pressure)
The pressure (The pressures of the world)
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure (The pressure)
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (The pressures of the world)
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
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
Oh oh oh oh
Oh pressure
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
My back is against the wall
More bills than money to pay
But I know just who, just who to call on
When I need relief I pray to help me fight
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (oh, the pressures of the world, the pressure)
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (the pressures of the world)
The pressure
The pressure (oh the pressure)
The pressure, pressure of the world (of the world)
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
Playin' on the tensions of your weakness and addictions
That lure your mind and strength
You can fight it (fight it), you can win (fight it)
For your deliverance, just bow your head and pray to help me fight
The pressure
The pressure (oh yeah yeah yeah)
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure (oh the pressure)
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (the pressures of the world, oh the pressures)
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure
The pressure (oh the pressures of the world)
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressures
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (pressures of the world)
I'm so down that I soon will be gone
With the pressures of the world, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah
I would be dead with the pressures of the world
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
We all have our burdens to carry
I know when mine get too 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
No doubt about it
Pressures of the world, oh yeah
Yeah eh eh eh eh, oh oh
Pressures of the world
I, I, I need relief
The pressure
The pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world (I need relief)
The pressure (I need relief)
The pressure (I need relief)
The pressure, pressure of the world (I, I, I, I, I, I need relief)
I, I, I, I, I need relief
I need re-
I need re, I, I, I, I need relief
The pressure (I need relief)
Of the pressure (I need relief)
The pressure, pressure of the world (I need, I, I, I, I, I need relief)
The pressure (I need relief)
Of the pressure (I need relief)
The pressure, pressure of the world (I need, I, I, I, I, I need relief)
The pressure
Of the pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure
Of the pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure
Of the pressure
The pressure, pressure of the world
The pressure
The song 'The Pressure' by Sounds Of Blackness is all about dealing with the various pressures of life that can weigh a person down. In the song, the singer is facing financial difficulties and other issues which are causing him a great deal of stress. He turns to prayer as a source of comfort and strength, knowing that he can call on a higher power to help him fight against the pressures of the world. The song also acknowledges the role that addiction can play in exacerbating these pressures, but ultimately suggests that everyone can find deliverance if they are willing to fight for it.
The lyrics of 'The Pressure' are very poignant and relatable, capturing the feelings of many people who struggle with the pressures of modern life. Musically, the song features a powerful vocal performance backed up by a lively mixture of gospel, soul, and R&B influences. The repeated refrain of 'the pressure' creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the idea that these pressures are a constant presence in our lives. There is a strong sense of hope and optimism throughout the song, with the singer expressing his faith that he can overcome his troubles with the support of a higher power.
In conclusion, 'The Pressure' is a powerful and emotive song that speaks to the struggles and challenges that many people face in their daily lives. It offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to have faith in their ability to overcome adversity and find deliverance from the pressures of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
My back is against the wall
Feeling trapped with more bills to pay than money available.
More bills than money to pay
Experiencing financial stress.
But I know just who, just who to call on
Knowing who to turn to in times of difficulty.
When I need relief I pray to help me fight
Praying for strength and guidance to overcome challenges.
The pressure, the pressures of the world
The stress and difficulties of life.
Playin' on the tensions of your weakness and addictions
Exploiting vulnerabilities and habits to cause further stress and pressure.
That lure your mind and strength
Seductive and enticing, leading to mental and physical exhaustion.
You can fight it, you can win
It's possible to overcome these struggles and come out victorious.
For your deliverance, just bow your head and pray
Seeking spiritual help to find relief and salvation.
The pressure, the pressures of the world
The overwhelming obstacles of life.
I'm so down that I soon will be gone
Experiencing such extreme stress that it feels like the end is near.
With the pressures of the world, yeah yeah
Attributing the cause of this feeling to the stresses of life.
We all have our burdens to carry
Recognizing that everyone has their own struggles.
He's always there to bear the load
Believing in a higher power for support.
Give me strength and comfort any time I need relief
Asking for help and guidance during times of need.
From the pressures of the world, I just believe
Having faith in a higher power to overcome worldly struggles.
No doubt about it
Without question or hesitation.
I, I, I need relief
Expressing the desperate desire for help and comfort.
I need re-
Cutting off mid-word, emphasizing the urgency of the need for relief.
The pressure
The overwhelming stress and difficulties of life.
Of the pressure
Further emphasizing the intense nature of the stress.
The pressure, pressure of the world
The immense struggles and obstacles of life.
Lyrics © 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