Pride (Live) Lyrics
Living Colour
Lyrics
When I speak out loud
You say I'm crazy
When I'm feeling proud
You say I'm lazy
I look around and see the true reality
You like our hair
You love our music
Our culture's large, so you abuse it
Take time to understand, I'm an equal man
History's a lie that they teach you in school
A fraudulent view called the golden rule
A peaceful land that was born civilized
Was robbed of its riches, its freedom, its pride
When I'm at work you say I'm great
You watch and ponder, but can you relate?
Inviting eyes hands drop, when the music stops
Don't ask me why I play this music
It's my culture, so naturally I use it
I state my claim to say, it's here for all to play
It's time for a change
Concepts rearrange
Can't you feel my rage...
It's up to you to seek the truth
To know your history, the difference between me and you
Relate to me as me, not what you see on TV
Song & Lyrics Facts
Living Colour's "Pride (Live)" was released in 1989 on their debut album Vivid. The song was written by the band members, Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, Doug Wimbish and Will Calhoun.
It is a funk-rock anthem that celebrates African American pride and identity. The lyrics are an empowering call to stand up for one's rights and beliefs: “We’re gonna take our pride/ Stand tall against the tide/ There’s no turning back now/ We’ve come too far to hide”. This live version of "Pride" captures the energy and intensity of the original studio recording with the added benefit of a passionate crowd cheering them on.