“Stand Up,” performed by Cynthia Erivo, is a poignant anthem featured in the biographical film Harriet, which tells the remarkable story of Harriet Tubman, an iconic American abolitionist.
Released on October 25, 2019, as the lead single from the film’s soundtrack, the song was co-written by Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell. It serves as a powerful tribute to Tubman’s legacy and her relentless fight for freedom and justice for enslaved individuals.
The lyrics of “Stand Up” encapsulate themes of resilience, hope, and collective struggle. They reflect Tubman’s journey as she leads others to liberation, emphasizing the importance of standing up against oppression.
With its gospel-infused melody and heartfelt delivery, the song resonates deeply with listeners, inspiring them to persevere in the face of adversity.
Table of Contents
“Stand Up” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
I been walkin’
With my face turned to the sun
Weight on my shoulders
A bullet in my gun
Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head
Just in case I have to run
I do what I can when I can while I can for my people
While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night
In the opening lines, the narrator is depicted as someone constantly on the move, eyes on the horizon, aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The weight on the shoulders symbolizes the burdens and responsibilities one carries.
The bullet signifies preparedness to defend oneself and possibly the stakes at play. The ‘eyes in the back of the head’ metaphorically paint a picture of vigilance, of always being ready for any threat that might come from behind. This is a person who works tirelessly “for my people” showing a sense of communal responsibility.
Chorus
That’s when I’m gonna stand up
Take my people with me
Together we are going
To a brand new home
Far across the river
Can you hear freedom calling?
Calling me to answer
Gonna keep on keepin’ on
I can feel it in my bones
The chorus resonates with the spirit of leadership. “Stand up” is a call to action. The river acts as a symbolic barrier, representing challenges and hurdles that need to be crossed to reach “a brand new home” – a place of freedom and safety. “Freedom calling” is a powerful representation of the yearning for liberty, a siren song that is impossible to ignore. The repetition of “gonna keep on keepin’ on” is an anthem of determination, of moving forward regardless of the obstacles.
Verse 2
Early in the mornin’
Before the sun begins to shine
We’re gonna start movin’
Towards that separating line
I’m wadin’ through muddy waters
You know I got a made up mind
And I don’t mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation
And I’ll fight with the strength that I got until I die
Beginning the journey ‘early in the morning’ suggests the urgency and commitment of the narrator. The “muddy waters” represents the complications and difficulties of the path ahead.
The line about the willingness to lose blood is a testament to the narrator’s fierce determination and the sacrifices they’re willing to make. The strength mentioned isn’t just physical; it encompasses mental and emotional resilience.
Bridge
And I know what’s around the bend
Might be hard to face ’cause I’m alone
And I just might fail
But Lord knows I tried
Sure as stars fill up the sky
Facing the unknown, the narrator acknowledges the potential loneliness of their journey and the very real possibility of failure. Yet, there’s an unwavering commitment to trying, as inevitable as the stars filling the sky.
Chorus Repeats
The chorus, repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizes its importance. It serves as an anthem of hope, determination, and unity.
Outro
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
I go to prepare a place for you
These closing lines resonate with a promise. The narrator commits to paving the way for others, ensuring that the path to freedom is accessible to everyone.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Stand Up”
“Stand Up,” performed by Cynthia Erivo for the film Harriet, serves as a powerful anthem of resilience and empowerment, reflecting the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in the fight against slavery.
The song encapsulates themes of overcoming adversity and standing up for justice. Its lyrics convey a message of hope, urging listeners to find strength in the face of oppression. Erivo’s performance is infused with passion, mirroring Tubman’s unwavering spirit as she fought for freedom. The chorus emphasizes unity and perseverance, suggesting that together, people can achieve a “brand new home” across the river, symbolizing freedom and liberation from bondage.
“Stand Up” draws directly from Tubman’s experiences, including her determination to lead others to safety via the Underground Railroad. The lyrics resonate with Tubman’s last words before her death, “I go to prepare a place for you,” reinforcing her role as a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom.
The song not only pays tribute to Tubman’s legacy but also serves as a call to action for contemporary audiences to continue the fight against injustice.
Since its release, “Stand Up” has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It has been recognized not only for its musical composition but also for its significant cultural impact as a modern civil rights anthem. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their own struggles and motivates them to take action toward achieving justice and equality.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.