Irish singer-songwriter Hozier wrote “Nina Cried Power” (2018) in part to pay tribute to other singers “who imbued their work with the vigour of dissent,” he states below the YouTube video.
If you’re not already familiar with this song you might know his more popular “Take Me to Church” (2013), about the kind of shame that organized religion can cause in relation to one’s sexuality. Its video depicts a loving gay male couple targeted by a hate crime—and it’s difficult to watch.
“Nina Cried Power,” on the other hand, is full of references to those artists, past and present, who’ve stood up for what’s right and humane in this world. A list: Nina Simone (1933-2003), Woody Guthrie (1912-1967), Billie Holiday (1915-1959), James Brown (1933-2006), Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999), B.B. King (1925-2015), Marvin Gaye (1939-1984), Pete Seeger (1919-2014), John Lennon (1940-1980), Patti Labelle, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, and Mavis Staples. He chose the latter to record and perform it with him.
Some background regarding the song title: Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” has the line “I cried power.”
Excerpted lyrics from “Nina Cried Power”:
It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’It’s not forgoin’ of the lieIt’s not the openin’ of eyesIt’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’
It’s not the shade we should be castingIt’s the light and it’s the obstacle that casts itIt’s the heat that drives the lightIt’s the fire it ignitesIt’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’
It’s not the song, it is the singin’It’s the heaven of the human spirit ringin’It is the bringin’ of the lineIt is the bearin’ of the lieIt’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’
And I could cry power (power)Power (power)Power (power)Nina cried powerBillie cried powerLinus cried powerAnd I could cry powerPower (power)Power (power)PowerCurtis cried powerKenny cried powerNina cried power
It’s not the war but what’s behind itOh, the fear of how men is near assignmentAnd everythin’ that we’re denied by keepin’ the divideIt’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’
And I could cry power (power)Power (power)Power (power)Nina cried powerLenny cried powerJames Brown cried power
And I could cry powerPower (power)Power (power)PowerBillie cried powerJunie cried powerNina cried powerAnd I could cry powerPower has been cried by those stronger than meStraight into the face that tells you to grab on your chainsIf you love bein’ free
Ah, lord I could cry power…
Below is the official video:
Live studio version:
