Shine by John Legend and The Roots
Directed by James Strong
IU Soul Revue Presents
Shine represents everything we believe in and underscores the power of music.
We chose this song because we want to raise the voices throughout history that never had a chance to be heard.
This song acknowledges all the Black lives that never had a chance to shine.
Shine
By John Legend and The Roots
They wait to plead their case, unknown cast aside.
I love to see their face, can we spare the light?
Are we afraid to see the prisoners of history?
These beautiful minds, trapped inside.
Bring them back to life.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
So dark, but I see sparks, if we don't snuff them out.
We gotta light them flame, let them speak their name.
Let them reach up to the clouds.
Can't eat if we don't feed them.
Can't read if we don't teach them.
There's no line if we just hide them.
Don't just let 'em die.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Oh stars flicker in the distance, lonely out in space.
They sing out when we're not listening, because we don't see their face.
We can let them die, we can make them high.
Hold the little miracles that live inside.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em live.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em read on.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em grow.
Let 'em shine on.
Come on, let them love.
Come on, let them love.
Come on, let them love.
Yeah.
Yeah (let them love)
Hold them close, let them know they'll get through the night
Ordinary people could be a hero, don't blow out the light.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Let 'em shine.
Let 'em shine on.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Let them shine on.
We’re not only preserving Black music. We’re an example of how things can work in our world—How different people and different races can come together and make art out of love.
James Strong, IU Soul Revue Director
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Support the IU Soul Revue 50-year legacy
Founded in 1971, the IU Soul Revue was the world’s first, and remains the only collegiate ensemble focused on the study and performance of Black popular music for academic credit. 50 years later, the Revue has an established reputation for its uniqueness, its performance excellence, and its impact on the lives of generations of students and alumni.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will be held in academic year 2021–2022, will bring together current students and generations of alumni and fans to celebrate this important milestone. A slate of live and virtual activities and events will be held from August 2021 through June 2022, with celebrations in Indianapolis and Bloomington. We ask you to be part of this historic celebration by making a gift to the IU Soul Revue.
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