Rise Up - Reflection Questions

Andra Day was inspired by a close friend’s cancer diagnosis to write this song. She describes it as “a sort of prayer” that came about during a freestyle recording session.
In 2021, the song was widely used in the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. A Black woman herself, Andra Day channels the Black American voice in the lyrics of this song, speaking of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. It echoes the voices of generations, who have endured oppression & suffering, singing from the chains of slavery, singing in the streets in protest, singing in the Church for hope and salvation.



Questions for Reflection:

In what ways is this song similar to the prayer of Psalm 91? (see lyrics and scripture below)

What mountains can be moved if we work together with God and each other?

How is rising up from adversity similar to Christ’s resurrection?

Is t here a time in your life when you felt you had to “rise up”?

What is the role of community in “rising up” against oppressive forces?




Lyrics:
You're broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can't find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains

And I'll rise up, I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid
I'll rise up, And I'll do it a thousand times again
And I'll rise up, High like the waves
I'll rise up, In spite of the ache
I'll rise up, And I'll do it a thousand times again
For you

When the silence isn't quiet
And it feels like it's getting hard to breathe
And I know you feel like dying
But I promise we'll take the world to its feet
And move mountains

All we need, all we need is hope
And for that we have each other
And we will rise, We will rise


Psalm 91: 11-12; 15-16
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
    I will be with them in trouble;
    I will rescue them and honor them.
16 With long life I will satisfy them
    and show them my salvation.