She wa… Read Full Bio ↴Stephanie McKay is a singer-songwriter from the Bronx, New York.
She was a member of the Brooklyn Funk Essentials and has worked with Talib Kweli, Mos Def , Tricky and Portishead's Geoff Barrow. Her debut solo album, entitled McKay, was released in 2003 in Europe but not in the US. It received critical acclaim and was likened to classic Sixties soul with elements of hip hop and electronica. She achieved some popular success with the ska influenced single 'Take Me Over' in summer 2003 and her videos were played frequently on MTV. She released a second ep in September 2006 on Astralwerks that included two new songs from her second album plus two tracks from her first album. Her second album, Tell It Like It Is was completed and unreleased by Astralwerks. She is currently on tour with Katalyst a popular a soul producer from Australia. Her single with Katalyst entitled "Say what you feel" has received numerous plays on Rage and Triple j TV in Australia and is reminiscent of classic 60, 70 soul and funk. If you like Sharon Jones and the Dap kings you will love this track. You can hear songs from her unreleased Astralwerks album on her website at www.stephaniemckay.com.
phenomenon
Stephanie McKay Lyrics
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Judged and denied by
The color you choose to see
Screams of rage inside, he
Tries to rectify this lie
To prove his humanity
So consumed with madness
Needs a place where he can breathe
(It's time to)
Celebrate his existence
Live his joy as resistance
See a world of possibility
(Possibilities)
(Chorus)
La la la la la la la
La la la la
La la la la la la la
La la la
La la la la la la la
La la la la
La la la la la la la
Dance your liberation
Sing this meditation
To create a brand-new dream
Hear the ancestors call you
Let their dreams lay before you
To inspire your resiliency
Rise up, stand up, you can do it
La la la la la la la
La la la la
La la la la la la la
La la la
La la la la la la la
La la la la
La la la la la la la
Something like a phenomenon
In Stephanie McKay's song "Phenomenon," the lyrics explore the perspective and struggles of a black boy who lives his life being judged and denied based on the color of his skin. The phrase "The color you choose to see" suggests that society often defines and treats him solely based on his race. This judgment and denial likely create feelings of anger and frustration, as indicated by the line "Screams of rage inside." The singer seeks to rectify this lie and prove his humanity, highlighting his desire for equality and recognition of his worth as a human being.
The lyrics also express a sense of sadness and despair, as the boy feels consumed by madness and needs a space where he can simply breathe. This suggests the weight of societal discrimination and the emotional toll it takes on him. However, there is a call to action in the song, urging the singer and others like him to celebrate their existence and live joyfully as a form of resistance against the injustices they face.
The chorus of "La la la la" repeats throughout the song, serving as both a simple, melodic refrain and a symbol of unity and empowerment. By chanting these syllables, it creates a sense of communal spirit and encourages listeners to join in and participate in the call for change.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of liberation and creating a new dream. Dancing and singing are presented as acts of liberation and meditation, suggesting that through artistic expression and self-affirmation, the singer can find solace and carve out a space where they can be their authentic selves. The reference to ancestors in the song emphasizes the importance of honoring their dreams and using them as a source of inspiration and strength to navigate the challenges they face.
Ultimately, "Phenomenon" encourages the black boy and others facing similar struggles to rise up, stand up, and believe in their ability to overcome adversity. The phrase "Something like a phenomenon" suggests that their resilience, determination, and ability to create positive change are extraordinary. Overall, the song sends a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the need for societal transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
Black boy lives his life, being
The experiences of a black boy living his life and facing discrimination and prejudice
Judged and denied by
Being unfairly evaluated and rejected
The color you choose to see
The bias and judgement based on skin color
Screams of rage inside, he
Feelings of anger and frustration within him
Tries to rectify this lie
Attempting to correct the falsehood and injustice
To prove his humanity
Demonstrating his worth and humanity
Spiraling in sadness
Descending into deep sadness and despair
So consumed with madness
Overwhelmed by intense emotions
Needs a place where he can breathe
Requires a safe space where he can find solace and relief
(It's time to) Celebrate his existence
Recognizing and rejoicing in his mere existence
Live his joy as resistance
Expressing happiness and pursuing a life of defiance against oppression
See a world of possibility (Possibilities)
Perceiving a future with endless opportunities
Dance your liberation
Express freedom and autonomy through dance
Sing this meditation
Engage in a meditative practice of singing
To create a brand-new dream
To envision and manifest a fresh and empowering vision
Hear the ancestors call you
Listening to the ancestral voices summoning you
Let their dreams lay before you
Embracing the aspirations of your predecessors
To inspire your resiliency
Motivating your ability to bounce back and persevere
Rise up, stand up, you can do it
Encouraging empowerment and direction to overcome challenges
Something like a phenomenon
A phenomena-like existence, defying expectations and making a significant impact
Lyrics © Missing Link Music
Written by: Corey Dupina, Ezra Schwarz-Bart, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Stephanie McKay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind