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Here to Stay - Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Here To StayAyanna Witter-Johnson
00:00 / 03:56

Singer, songwriter, cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson is a rare exception to the rule that classical and alternative R&B music cannot successfully coexist.

Ayanna was commissioned by Cultural Solutions UK to compose and perform a song in response to her own lived-experience of being the grand daughter of the Windrush Generation. The result is 'Here To Stay'.

 

A performer of extraordinary versatility, her live shows are intimate journeys that chronicle her experience as a female artist in the 21st century. Because of her musical prowess, mesmerizing vocals, non-compromising lyrics and ability to deftly reinterpret songs on the cello, Ayanna is able to bridge both the classical and urban worlds effortlessly.

HERE TO STAY

 

Intro:

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

Who’s there?

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

What will we find?

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

Will we be safe?

So we come, so we come, in search of a better life

 

Verse 1:

An open invitation

To come re-build a nation

But closed doors was all we found

 

A hostile situation

Destroyed our reputation

Too late to turn back now.

Too late to turn back now.

 

Chorus:

Still we thrive

We paved the way

Yes we rise 

We’re here to stay.

 

Verse 2:

We brought the celebrations

A colourful sensation

This land is now our home

 

We live in segregation

Denied true education

How long can this go on?

this land is now our home.

 

Chorus:

Still we thrive

Yes we thrive, paved the way

We paved the way

Paved the way, here to stay

Yes we rise

Yes we rise, still we thrive

We’re here to stay.

Here to stay, paved the way

 

Still we thrive

Yes we thrive, paved the way

We paved the way

Paved the way, here to stay

Yes we rise

Yes we rise, still we thrive

We’re here to stay.

Here to stay, paved the way

 

 

Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Copyright 2020

Ayanna talking about her family and the making of ‘Here To Stay’

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