Yes We Can
will i am Lyrics

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.
The belief in the founding principles that shape and define the nation's fate.

Yes we can.
We can achieve greatness as a nation.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.
The hope for freedom and the pursuit of justice voiced by those who fought for the end of slavery.

Yes we can. Yes we can.
We can make progress towards freedom and equality.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores
The aspiration for a new life and the American Dream that inspired immigrants to come to this country.

And pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.
The drive for expansion and progress that led pioneers to explore and settle the frontier.

Yes we can. Yes we can.
We can overcome challenges and obstacles to achieve our goals.

It was the call of workers who organized;
The rallying cry for workers' rights and fair treatment on the job.

Women who reached for the ballots;
The movement for suffrage and equal representation for women.

A President who chose the moon as our new frontier;
The bold vision and leadership of JFK that aimed to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation.

And a King who took us to the mountain-top and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
The guidance and inspiration of MLK Jr. that led the Civil Rights Movement towards equality and justice.

Yes we can to justice and equality.
We can make progress towards a fair and just society.

(yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can...)
The repeated affirmation and belief in our ability to achieve greatness.

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
We can create more opportunity and prosperity for all.

Yes we can heal this nation.
We can come together and work towards healing the divisions and wounds in our society.

Yes we can repair this world.
We can make a positive impact on the world and create a better future for all.

Yes we can. Si Se Puede
We can achieve greatness, yes we can. (also acknowledging the contribution of the Latinx community to the American story)

(yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can...)
The repeated affirmation and belief in our ability to achieve greatness.

We know the battle ahead will be long,
Acknowledging that making progress towards goals requires hard work and dedication.

But always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way,
Despite obstacles and setbacks, we should never lose sight of our goals and aspirations.

Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.
The collective power of voices demanding change can overcome any obstacle or challenge.

We want change!
Expressing the desire and urgency for progress and transformation.

(We want change! We want change! We want change...)
The repeated affirmation and belief in our ability to achieve change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant.
Despite opposition and criticism from skeptics, we should not be deterred from our pursuit of progress towards our goals.

We've been asked to pause for a reality check.
Considering and reflecting on the obstacles and challenges we face before taking action.

We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
Cautioned against raising false expectations and promising unrealistic outcomes.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. We want change!
Despite challenges and setbacks, hope has always been a driving force for progress in America. We still strive for change.

(We want change! I want change! We want change! I want change...)
The repeated affirmation and belief in our ability to achieve change.

The hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA;
Regardless of background and circumstance, all Americans deserve equal access to opportunities and the pursuit of their dreams.

We will remember that there is something happening in America;
Acknowledging the momentum and energy surrounding social and political progress in America.

That we are not as divided as our politics suggests;
Despite political polarization, there is still a shared sense of purpose and identity as Americans.

That we are one people;
We are united by our shared values and identity as Americans.

We are one nation;
We are united as a nation, with a shared responsibility towards each other and the common good.

And together, we will begin the next great chapter in America's story with three words that will ring from coast to coast;
Working together towards progress and positive change, using the affirming phrase that embodies our collective power and unity.

From sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can.
Repeating the powerful affirmation that encapsulates our collective capacity for progress and change.