Roots

from The Journey by John Blood

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lyrics

Chorus 1
When we cut our chains we will free ourselves
If we cut our roots then we will die
When our roots are deep there is no reason
To fear the wind for InI
When we cut our chains we will free ourselves
If we cut our roots then we will die
When our roots are deep there is no reason
To fear the wind for InI

Remnant of a time when it was a crime
To be black and fine, jealous were the times
Papa run away, said he couldn’t stay
For a son with a different colour face
Mama took control of this troubled soul
Taught me right from wrong, taught me to be strong
Showed me that I came from a land of Kings
So I already had my place
Now I am a man, searching for my plan
One thing that I know I’m an African
And nobody can take this away from me
This is InI story

Chorus 2
Know yourself, love yourself, be yourself
Can’t be no one else
Know your roots
Know your truth now

We were wearing the disguise of so many lies
Told to us by those who would us despise
Just so they could take our land and lives
From these depths they never thought we’d rise
Like the ancient Kushites who once were slaves
To the old Egyptians, they learnt their ways
And over time they became
The black Pharaoh’s of history’s fame
They told us how we couldn’t read or write
But now we know they told us this for spite
From Kilwa Kisiwani to Timbuktu
Places where trade and knowledge blossom true
Kingdoms and Empires which we once ruled
From Great Zimbabwe, Songhai, Ghana and Axum
And Mansa Musa a wealth so rare
No Rockefeller ever could compare

Chorus 2

Nigba ti a ba ja awon èwòn ti o de wa, a o gba ominira.
Ti a ba ge awon gbongbo wa, a o Ku.
Nigbati awon gbongbo wa ba jinle, ko si idi lati beru ìjì.

Chorus 1

Chorus 2

credits

from The Journey, released December 3, 2020

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John Blood London, UK

From Yèré to the world! Mixing smooth vocals with riddims from the Caribbean diaspora, John Blood's songs are a blend of spirituality, social commentary, hope and love.

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