Moved by the terrible events at Virginia Tech last week, singer-songwriter R. Kelly has written and recorded a song of encouragement in memory of the victims and in condolence to their families. As the details of the tragedy were unfolding last week, Kelly was traveling across the country on his tour bus for a performance. Deeply affected by the news, he was inspired to write lyrics he shaped into a song entitled, “Rise Up,” a moving anthem in honor and remembrance of the victims of this heartbreaking event.

At Kelly’s request, his label, Jive/Zomba Records is making the track available as a digital single for sale on Tuesday, May 15th in hopes of spreading the message of hope and unity. R. Kelly and Jive will donate 100% of the net proceeds from the digital single sales to the university’s official fund, The Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, and listeners who buy the track will be able to access a direct link to the memorial website. Recalling the spirit of triumph in one of Kelly’s previous celebrated anthems, “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Rise Up” is meant to offer encouragement and solace in the face of this senseless tragedy; ” … We’ll be strong together, Stand together, Pray together, Rise up.” To learn more about the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, visit http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/memorial_fund.php.

Lyrics Below

R. Kelly
“Rise Up” Lyrics
INTRO “The Victims are what mean the most to us and that we cared so much about … .”
“I just really feel that we are going to be known as the school that overcame.”
VERSE
(whoa) I know you’re feelin’ pain right now
(whoa) And you don’t wanna talk right now
(whoa) I know you’re going through something And you don’t want to be bothered right now 
(whoa) Not gonna lie and say I understand
(whoa) I just wanna be here for you if I can
(whoa) To hold your hand and be by your side
And together we will get through these times
And we will cry together (uh huh)
And we’ll fight this together (uh huh)
And we’ll be strong together Stand together Pray together C

HORUS
Rise up
When you feel you can’t go on Rise up And all of your hope is gone
Rise up
When you’re weak and you can’t be strong
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up
And when the tears start to fall
Rise up
And you feel you’ve given it your all
Rise up
When your back is up against the wall Rise Rise up

VERSE
(whoa) Now I know the burdens that you bear
(whoa) And you don’t think nobody cares
(whoa) A storm comes out of nowhere And you feelin’ like it just ain’t fair (whoa) Not here to preach about the brighter side (no)
Cause I understand and now is not the time (oh)
See I just want to help you make it right
Walk with you, holding up candle lights

CHORUS
And we will cry together (we will cry together)
And we’ll fight this together (stand up and fight)
And we’ll be strong together (hey)
Stand together (stand together)
Pray together
Rise up (woo)
When you feel you can’t go on (feel like you can’t go on)
Rise up
And all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
Rise up
When you’re weak and you can’t be strong (hey)
Rise (you gotta rise up yeah)
Rise up
And when the tears start to fall (yeah)
Rise up And you feel you’ve given it your all
Rise up When your back is up against the wall Rise (rise)

BRIDGE
You see struggle Struggle has no color hey No color (hey)
In the midst of crisis You are my sister (hey) and I’m your brother (yeah)
And side by side we’ll face this thing Standin’ tall (standin’ tall)
You and me (hey) VAMP
Rise up Rise Rise up Rise (Woo) Rise up (Hey)
Rise We will rise Rise up Heads up to the sky Rise up Rise
When all hope has fallen yeah Rise up We’ll stand tall and believe (yes we will) Rise Rise up And we gotta know tomorrow will come (yeah) and
Rise Rise up You will have the victory Rise up Hey Rise up Rise up Rise Rise up Hey hey hey hey hey
Rise Rise up In the middle … in the middle of your storm when you … (rise up) When you think you … when you think you cannot make it rise up Rise up (ooh) Rise Rise up (God bless you Virginia … our hearts go out to you and your families) Peace Rise up

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 at 6:59 am and is filed under News.