lxvii. SPALDING, Esperanza: Black Gold

lxvii. SPALDING, Esperanza (1984-       )

Black Gold (2012)
ES, vocals and electric bass
Algebra Blessett, vocals
Raydar Ellis, sounds
Savannah Children's Choir, choral voices
Lionel Loueke, guitar, voice
Raymond Angry, organ
Tivon Pennicott, tenor saxophone
Igmar Thomas, trumpet
Corey King, trombone
Terri Lyne Carrington, drums
(6:47)

From Radio Music Society.

Not content to just be a fabulous musician, Spalding is a true educator.

The video opens with a Black father and his two young boys discussing what they learned in their History class, where they covered Africa in one lesson, while barely touching on the proud narrative of Black culture. After dinner, he'll sit down with them and get deep.

The song is so achingly beautiful -- telling Black children that they are gold. The melody is catchy -- fluid and natural -- and the chorus joyful and uplifting.

Should be required viewing in all schools.

Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that

You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

Now maybe no one else has ever told you so
But you're golden, baby
Black Gold with a diamond soul
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization

There'll be folks hell-bent on putting you down
Don't get burned
Not necessarily everyone will know your worth
Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization

Think of all the strength you have in you
Powerful, powerful men
Built us a civilization

Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel

Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

Think of all the strength you have in you
From the blood you carry within you
Ancient men, powerful men
Built us a civilization

All the strength
All the blood
That you carry
Ancient men
Powerful men
In you
Built us a civilization

Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel

Baby no one else will tell you so remember that
You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

You are Black Gold, Black Gold
You are Black Gold

Hold your head as high as you can
High enough to see who you are, little man
Life sometimes is cold and cruel
Baby no one else will tell you so remember that

You are Black Gold
You are Black Gold
You are
You are
You are
Hold your head up
Don't give up
You are Black Gold
You are
You are
Black Gold
Black Gold, Black Gold, Black Gold