James Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” released in 1968, is a groundbreaking and empowering anthem that became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement and a celebration of Black identity and pride. Written by James Brown and Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, the song’s powerful lyrics and infectious groove have made it a timeless classic of funk and soul music.
About The Song
With its bold declaration of Black pride and self-affirmation, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” challenged racial stereotypes and empowered African Americans to embrace their cultural heritage and assert their rights. The song’s energetic rhythm, impassioned vocals, and call-and-response chorus capture the spirit of resilience and determination that defined the struggle for racial equality during the 1960s.
Upon its release, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” became an instant anthem for the civil rights movement, topping the charts and earning widespread acclaim for its bold message and infectious energy. Its impact transcended music, inspiring generations of activists and artists to stand up against racism and injustice.
As we revisit “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” we celebrate James Brown’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of this revolutionary anthem. Its message of empowerment and solidarity continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us of the importance of embracing and celebrating our cultural heritage and identity.
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Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Uh, with your bad self
Say it louder (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it louder (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Looky here
Some people say we got a lot of malice
Some say it’s a lotta nerve
But I say we won’t quit moving
Until we get what we deserve
We’ve been ‘buked and we’ve been scorned
We’ve been treated bad, talked about
As sure as you’re born
But just as sure as it take two eyes to make a pair, huh
Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
One more time, say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
I’ve worked on jobs with my feet and my hands
But all the work I did was for the other man
And now we demands a chance
To do things for ourselves
We’re tired of beating our heads against the wall
And working for someone else
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Ow!
Ooh-wee, you’re killing me
Alright, uh, you’re out of sight
Alright, so tough, you’re tough enough
Ooh-wee, uh, you’re killing me, ow
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it louder (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves
We’re tired of beating our heads against the wall
And working for someone else
Look here, there’s one thing more I got to say right here
Now, we’re people, we like the birds and the bees
And we’d rather die on our feet than keep living on our knees
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Ow!
Uh, alright now
Lordy
You know we can do the boogaloo
Now we can say we do the Funky Broadway
Now we do
Ha, sometimes we dance, we sing, and we talk
You know I do like, I do the Camel Walk
Alright now, ha, alright
Alright now, ha
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Let me hear ya, say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves
We’re tired of beating our heads against the wall
And working for someone else, huh
You know, we are people, too
We like the birds and the bees
But we’d rather die on our feet
Than keep living on our knees
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Let me hear ya, ha
Say it loud, h (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Ow!
ooh-wee, you’re killing me
Alright, uh, outta sight, alright, you’re outta sight
Ooh-wee, oh Lord
Ooh-wee, you’re killing me
Ooh-wee, ooh-wee, ooh-wee, ooh-wee, OW
Say it loud, huh (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)
God, I feel it, say it loud, uh (I’m Black and I’m proud)
Say it loud (I’m Black and I’m proud)