Who is Nina Simone?

Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who was known for her unique voice, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable performances. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina in 1933, Simone began playing the piano at an early age and demonstrated a natural talent for music. Her family was poor, but her mother worked as a maid for a wealthy white family who allowed Simone to practice on their piano.

Simone’s classical piano training led her to pursue a career in music, and she moved to New York City in the 1950s to study at the Juilliard School of Music. However, she was denied admission to the prestigious institution, and instead began performing at nightclubs in Atlantic City and other cities. She changed her name to Nina Simone to avoid her family’s disapproval of her performing in bars and nightclubs.

Simone’s music was a unique blend of jazz, blues, classical, and gospel, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician and a powerful voice for civil rights. In the early 1960s, she became involved in the civil rights movement and wrote several songs that addressed the struggles of African Americans, including “Mississippi Goddam,” “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” and “Four Women.”

“Mississippi Goddam” was a response to the murder of Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and the song became an anthem for the civil rights movement. It was also banned in several southern states, which only increased its popularity and cemented Simone’s reputation as a fearless and uncompromising artist.

Simone’s activism and outspokenness often put her at odds with the music industry and even some members of the civil rights movement, who criticized her for being too radical. However, Simone remained committed to her beliefs and continued to use her music to speak out against racism and injustice.

Simone’s music was not limited to political themes, however. She also recorded several albums of jazz standards and popular songs, including her famous rendition of “Feeling Good” and her cover of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Her hauntingly beautiful version of “Strange Fruit” is also a standout, capturing the horrors of lynching with chilling precision.

Despite her talent and influence, Simone struggled with personal demons throughout her life. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1980s and also dealt with substance abuse issues. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most powerful and influential voices in American music.

Simone’s impact on music and the civil rights movement cannot be overstated. Her music gave voice to the struggles of African Americans and inspired countless others to fight for justice and equality. Her uncompromising stance and willingness to speak out against injustice, even when it was unpopular or dangerous, make her a true icon and a role model for generations to come.

Visit NinaSimone.com.

Mississippi Goddam Lyrics

(Words and Music by Nina Simone)

(Spoken Introduction:)
The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddamn,
And I mean every word of it.

Alabama’s gotten me so upset,
Tennessee made me lose my rest,
And everybody knows about Mississippi, Goddamn.

Alabama’s gotten me so upset,
Tennessee made me lose my rest,
And everybody knows about Mississippi, Goddamn.

Can’t you see it?
Can’t you feel it?
It’s all in the air.
I can’t stand the pressure much longer.
Somebody say a prayer.

Alabama’s gotten me so upset,
Tennessee made me lose my rest,
And everybody knows about Mississippi, Goddamn.
This song was originally posted on protestsonglyrics.net
(Spoken:)
This is a show tune,
But the show hasn’t been written for it, yet.

Hound dogs on my trail.
School children sitting in jail.
Black cat cross my path.
I think every day’s gonna be my last.

Lord have mercy on this land of mine,
We all gonna get it in due time,
I don’t belong here,
I don’t belong there,
I’ve even stopped believing in prayer.

Don’t tell me, I tell you.
Me and my people just about due,
I’ve been there so I know,
They keep on saying “Go slow!”
This song was originally posted on protestsonglyrics.net
But that’s just the trouble,
“do it slow”;
Washing the windows,
“do it slow”;
Picking the cotton,
“do it slow”;
You’re just plain rotten,
“do it slow”;
You’re too damn lazy,
“do it slow”;
You’re thinking’s crazy,
“do it slow”,
Where am I going,
What am I doing,
I don’t know,
I don’t know.

Just try to do your very best,
Stand up be counted with all the rest,
For everybody knows about Mississippi, Goddamn.
This song was originally posted on protestsonglyrics.net
(Spoken:)
I made you thought I was kiddin’.

Picket lines, School boycotts,
They try to say it’s a communist plot,
All I want is equality, for my sister my brother my people and me.

Yes you lied to me all these years,
You told me to wash and clean my ears,
And talk real fine just like a lady,
And you’d stop calling me Sister Sadie.

Oh, but this whole country is full of lies,
You’re all gonna die and die like flies,
I don’t trust you any more,
You keep on saying “Go slow!”,
“Go slow!”
This song was originally posted on protestsonglyrics.net
But that’s just the trouble,
“do it slow”;
Desegregation,
“do it slow”;
Mass participation,
“do it slow”;
Reunification,
“do it slow”,
Do things gradually,
“do it slow”;
But bring more tragedy,
“do it slow”;
Why don’t you see it?
Why don’t you feel it?
I don’t know.
I don’t know.

You don’t have to live next to me,
Just give me my equality,
Everybody knows about Mississippi,
Everybody knows about Alabama,
Everybody knows about Mississippi, Goddamn

(Spoken:)
That’s it!

Lyrics Courtesy of ProtestLyrics.com.