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about
This song is a tribute/rendition to the Amerian folk song "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" which became influential during the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. It is based on the traditional song, "Gospel Plow," also known as "Hold On," "Keep Your Hand on the Plow,"
Additional verses were inspired by the #blacklivesmatter movement and the life of Martin Luther King Jr. In the bridge, Ron Werner Jr. addresses the Whitewashing or Santa Clausification of MLK and the cost of standing against the "triplets" of racism, materialism and militarism. This rendition is an anthem for all who work for Peace and Racial Conciliation, both acknowledging how far we have come as a nation and how far we must still go.
Minor Islands features dear friends and vocalist: Marie Kaurasi and Kate Lamont,
In the final chorus, Taimani's 6 nieces all make a symbolic and powerful presence bringing clarity to those most at stake.
The girl in the cover photo is Aisea's oldest niece, Kiarra Taimani, daughter of younger brother Barry & wife Jessenia Taimani.
lyrics
Verse 1
Paul and Silas bound in Jail,
had no money for to go their bail
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Paul and Silas began to shout,
the jail door opened and they walked out
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Chorus
Hold on
Hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Hold on
Verse 2
Women are struggling for their lives,
You know they're struggling both day and night
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Sex and violence rule the day,
You got to stand up, got to make a change
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Chorus
Hold on
Hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Hold on
Verse 3
White Supremacy must end,
#BlackLivesMatter and I say again
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Refugees running to survive,
Don't let fear dictate your lives
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Chorus
Hold on
Hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Hold on
Verse 3
We’ve got to break racisms bands,
All God's people working hand in hand,
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
And when you think can’t go on,
the breath of the spirit carries you along
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on
Chorus
Hold on
Hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Hold on
Hold on
Hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize,
Hold on
Martin had a dream
Hold up and hold on just a minute
It's been 40 50 years since King
and we're still in it
Love the dream in 63
but what about the later half
66, 67, 68 do the math
White folk love him now but
have selective memory
Peace and harmony don't get you
shot up on a balcony
So what was Martin starting and sparking
What got him killed
Inciting, writin, fightin to fulfill
#1: Racism,
Systems and Structures that busted him
#2: Materialism needs disruption
Last one, militarism, it's time to defund
The Triplets threatening our freedom
It's time to wake up
Showing up and shutting down
Silencing a ruckus sound
Speakin to the here and now
It's now and not yet
Awake o sleeper and arise
Following black lives
There's nothing like the present time
Martin had a dream
Keep your eyes on the prize, Hold on.
credits
released April 4, 2018
Additional Verses Written and Performed by: Minor Islands //
Aisea Taimani & Ron Werner
Produced by: Aisea Taimani // David Kaisa // Cody Fuentes
Musical Arrangement: Aisea Taimani & David Kaisa
Keys: David Kaisa
Drums: Sam Fineaso
Bass: Chris Balderas
Electric Guitars: Nathan Miller
Bgvs: Marie Kaurasi // Kate Lamont
Special Bgvs: Kiarra Taimani, Liana Taimani, Evangelia Taimani, Mia Taimani, Kalina Taimani, Kelelsi Taimani
Recorded @Rapture Recordings // Cody Fuentes // Hayward CA
