You may write me down in history

With your bitter twisted lies

You may trod me down in the very dirt

And still like the dust i'll rise

Does my happiness upset you

Why are you best with gloom

Cause i laugh like i've got an oil well

Pumpin' in my living room



So you may shoot me with your words

You may cut me with your eyes

And i'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise

Out of the shacks of history's shame

Up from a past rooted in pain

I'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise



Now did you want to see me broken

Bowed head and lowered eyes

Shoulders fallen down like tear drops

Weakened by my soulful cries



Does my confidence upset you

Don't you take it awful hard

Cause i walk like i've got a diamond mine

Breakin' up in my front yard



So you may shoot me with your words

You may cut me with your eyes

And i'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise

Out of the shacks of history's shame

Up from a past rooted in pain

I'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise



So you may write me down in history

With your bitter twisted lies

You may trod me down in the very dirt

And still like the dust i'll rise

Does my happiness upset you

Why are you best with gloom

Cause i laugh like i've got a goldmine

Diggin' up in my living room



So you may shoot me with your words

You may cut me with your eyes

And i'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise

Out of the shacks of history's shame

Up from a past rooted in pain

I'll rise

I'll rise

I'll rise


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