High Point Library
And Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou
Rise Above
Inspired by
And Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou’s
written by
High Point Library
Summer Program
High Point Library
STYLE Residency
August 2016
A huge thank you to the Seattle Public Libraries for having us this summer. Also, thanks to the students who took their time through the summer to make reading and learning a priority!
Classroom Practice Audio Tracks
Practice Full Song
Practice Chorus
Full Instrumental
Chorus Loop
Verse Loop
Verses
Group 1:
Growing up
was a struggle without money
Growing up
We tried hard to remain family
Growing up
is being smarter, working harder
Growing up
Parents didn’t want what I wanted
Growing up
Jewelry made me feel pretty
Growing up
but pretty isn’t worth the money
Growing up
Was very hard at the start
Growing up
I have to play my part
Group 2:
R – Be respectful
I – Interesting, incredible
S – Sassy, shine
E – Excited energy
when someone tries to put you down
hold your head up high
make sure that you stand your ground
you can succeed if you try
Because it’s your life, make smart choices
you are the boss of you
so don’t be afraid to use your voice
Life is yours to pursue
It’s important to rise, so I lift my eyes
push to reach your goals
I look at the people and I see them shine
what makes you special is in your soul
Chorus
Rise above what other people think of you
Make the most of what comes next
Rise above the challenges and obstacles
Don’t be afraid to show who you are
Songwriting Tips
Meet Your STYLE Teaching Artist
Nate Bogopolsky
Super excited to be at High Point Library. Spending time with this poem by such an accomplished author is always fun, and will be an extraordinary experience if you give it your all. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out! Now, let’s get to work!
— Nate B.
Check Out What Nate B. Is Listening To
About the Poem
And Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Tools, Tricks, and Terms
Literary Devices
Musical Terms
Fun Music Websites
Jazz Computer
Hypercube
Chrome Music Lab
Music Popcorn!
Hey you! Give this a shot. Explore all the different genres of music — it will be fun!
