Stand up (Cynthia Erivo)

I heard this lovely song this evening, and I first thought it was a Biblical song.  It felt exactly as if it was Moses of the Old Testament, singing this song about his task of leading the Israelites back to the Promised land.  

However, I then realised it mentions of a 'river' rather than the sea. That's when I looked it up. It turned out to be the title song of the movie 'Harriet'. The movie itself, is no less an Exodus tale: HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

The video of the song narrates the story by itself. The song is co-written and sung by Cynthia Erivo.  She is also the lead actress of the movie!! That's some real passion and heart. 

I'll need to watch this movie... 

I been walkin' With my face turned to the sun Weight on my shoulders A bullet in my gun Oh, I got eyes in the back of my head Just in case I have to run I do what I can when I can while I can for my people While the clouds roll back and the stars fill the night That's when I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I can feel it in my bones Early in the mornin' Before the sun begins to shine We're gonna start movin' Towards that separating line I'm wadin' through muddy waters You know I got a made up mind And I don't mind if I lose any blood on the way to salvation And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die So I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on And I know what's around the bend Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone And I just might fail But Lord knows I tried Sure as stars fill up the sky Stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river Do you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I'm gonna stand up Take my people with me Together we are going To a brand new home Far across the river I hear freedom calling Calling me to answer Gonna keep on keepin' on I can feel it in my bones I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you I go to prepare a place for you