To Be Young, Gifted And Black (Live) Lyrics
Nina Simone
Lyrics
Young, gifted and black
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted and black
Open your heart to what I mean
In the whole world you know
There was a billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and black
And that's a fact!
You are young, gifted and black
We must begin to tell our young
There's a world waiting for you
Your's is the quest that's just begun
When you feel really low
Yeah, there's a great truth that you should know
When you're young, gifted and black
Your soul's intact
To be young, gifted and black
Oh how I long to know the truth
There are times when I look back
And I am haunted by my youth
Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say
To be young, gifted and black
Is where it's at
Is where it's at
Is where it's at
Song & Lyrics Facts
Nina Simone's "To Be Young, Gifted and Black (Live)" was released in 1971 on her live album Black Gold. The song was written by Weldon Irvine Jr.
and Nina Simone herself, with lyrics inspired by a poem of the same name by Lorraine Hansberry. It is an uplifting anthem for African-American youth, celebrating their potential to achieve greatness. The track features a soulful vocal performance from Simone backed by her band, including Bernard Purdie on drums and Ernie Hayes on keyboards. With its positive message and powerful delivery, it has become one of Simone's most beloved songs.