Donny Hathaway - To Be Young, Gifted And Black Lyrics






To be young, gifted, and black
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted, and black
Open your heart to what I mean, to what I mean

Cause you know
In the whole wide world
There's a million, a million boys and girls
Who are young, gifted, gifted, and black...and it's sho'nuff where its at

To be young, gifted, and black
We must begin to tell our young
That there's a whole world, a whole world waiting for you

Haven't you heard the quest has just begun

Don't you know the joy, the joy, the joy of the today
Is the day that we all.....that we all be proud to say
That we are young... gifted... gifted and black... and its sho'nuff where its at





Other Lyrics by Artist

Rand Lyrics

Last Posts

Donny Hathaway To Be Young, Gifted And Black Comments
  1. A.... E....

    People with history will inevitably take over and fix all. To be young, gifted and black
    Is where it's at.

  2. J.... O....

    IN TOO DEEP god father scene

  3. G.... D....

    The best version of this song ever! Loved Aretha's and Nina's, but Donny took it to a whole new level.

  4. L.... H....

    I'm going to sit my grandson down and play this and Nina's version for him everytime he visits.

  5. W.... 2....

    "The gift of song is the curse of the have nots, Glory, Hallelujah....smh." SyncereThePoet.

  6. P.... B....

    The emotion.

  7. K.... H....

    Gone to Soon

  8. j.... ....

    Man every song his voice has touched has so much emotion to it . I dont know if it how he passed so sadly or what but i get emotional every time i hear him

  9. m.... M....

    Honey drenched smoky voice rich able to soar or glide or moan.....the Gospel world gives me the chills.

  10. T.... T....

    Before any big men blowin' Donny was first. Then Luther and Gerald but Donny was big dude and still is.

  11. D.... P....

    Wow, first time hearing this song

  12. T.... T....

    And this man outdid himself live with this song.

  13. W.... t....

    This was one of my graduation songs..... loved it ....wow

  14. N.... d....

    Church!

  15. A.... W....

    Thank you Nina for creating and writing this. Thank you Donny for delivering!🔥💕

  16. T.... T....

    King of voice and belts
    And that head voice is great
    Love this dude

  17. N.... W....

    I like this version of the late Donny Hathaway👼of "Young, Gifted, and Black" and I like Nina Simone's version of this song too

    N.... W....

    I Think I Would 💘 All Version's Of This Song Because of The Inspirational Feeling It Sends Shivering through My Soul.I Also 💘 the Queen Arethas Version I've Never Heard Nina Simon's Version I'm Definitely Going to find IT.

  18. N.... S....

    This inspires me so much because I know how hard it is to make it. I'm an aspiring singer and this is just what I need to tell me that the world is waiting for me. That what I have to the world is important. Makes me cry all the time❤ Thank you, Donny Hathaway.

  19. S.... G....

    Im from mixed race family . my mother is white and my father is a gypsy . Even if gypsys have nothing in common with black People almost and my skin is white im still sing this song with Pride . Love to all my black brothers and sisters.

  20. l.... e....

    Yes Brother...Sing from your heart.

  21. C.... J....

    This song grabs and touches my whole being. It’s sorrowful and joyful at the same time. In certain situations it often helps get any grief out.

  22. i.... ....

    This was a theme song back in the 60s and 70s.

  23. C.... S....

    Too myself and many others who agree that Mr Donnie Hathaway was that voice sent 4rm heaven, to set the path and structure for singing and also! The identification of urself and a spiritual connection as to..y are u doing what ur doing? Then be real when doing it...B the Best

  24. A.... Q....

    I REMEMBER BEING ABOUT 12 OR 13 DOING PRAISE DANCE TO THIS JAM IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY FOR EASTER TIME SURELY DOES PASS SO FAST I'LL BE 30 THIS YEAR IN MAY.

  25. m.... p....

    big up to the uploader and the classics💜

  26. J.... B....

    I'm a 51 yr old white woman and I wanna sing this dang song!

    J.... B....

    Jamie Brank sing it pretty lady!

    J.... B....

    Jamie Brank Sing it!!!

    J.... B....

    No one gives a fuck about you white bitch. Stay off our page. This song was not meant for you.

  27. s.... ....

    This song... oh! It just knocks me out every time I hear it... Donny Hathaway has to be one of the most underrated legends that ever lived... he should be on Beattles and Michael Jackson status.

    s.... ....

    He was beyond both

  28. C.... N....

    Wow I feel like I am in the old school church with this version, I LOVE it!!!!!

  29. S.... M....

    They don't make them like these anymore, do they?!

    S.... M....

    They Can't too busy getting Naked n Singing about BullShit,and How Many can Sing like this?

  30. C.... C....

    I am not black but I love what the blacks do and respect them 100% and more. Naturally gifted and talented people are blacks from sport to music I salute you all!! With lots of love and devotion.

    C.... C....

    Education as well. Despite what these biased school systems like to think.

    C.... C....

    Thank You So Very Much.What A Beautiful Statement to Make.Happy New Year.✌ n 💘 Intelligent Brother

    C.... C....

    I love you too as well brother

    C.... C....

    Thank you, don forget to say it in public....

    C.... C....

    We are gifted in wayyy more than sports and music 🙄

  31. A.... B....

    I was put on to this song years ago...and it's always been moving.....i remember waking up the day after Obama became first black president and playing this....and being so overcome by emotion like nothing I ever felt before or since....I'm listening to it now 9 years later and thus still moves me to tears....this isn't a song it's a moment in history

  32. K.... M....

    or young white and gifted because the poor and downtrodden now includes our white brothers and sisters as well

  33. C.... L....

    And bbblllaaaccckkkk

  34. j.... r....

    legendary

  35. E.... H....

    So needed then and now YGB

  36. M.... W....

    Even though Aretha and Donny worked together on many of her Atlantic albums including Young, Gifted and Black. I still wish they could have done a duets album although I wonder if any of our souls could have handled that much feeling/soul.

  37. k.... ....

    I am teaching my students 4th graders who will be perfoming this song Nina Simone original in our Black History program .They get the message we sing Acapella and I love thart the spirit of this message reaches them even today .. wake everybody time to teach a new way RIP Nina Simone and Donny Hathaway

  38. I.... ....

    cool ass joint

  39. D.... M....

    idk how I've never heard this song until today. Huge Donny fan.

    D.... M....

    The live version is even better

  40. 0.... ....

    I remember signing this and the black national anthem in elementary school. It's time for us to wake up and realize that were the only ones who are going to change our situation. what happened in the last 30 years?

  41. A.... ....

    "What if I fall?" "Oh Darling, but what if you fly?"


    They say every generation gets worse and if we continue to state that so it shall be. oh but know for certain we are closer to fulfillment then we ever were. The slaves couldn't have envisioned where we are now. Remember that at times things get "worse" before they get better. I'm 20 & I have faith. Do you?

    A.... ....

    AllD3y yes.

    A.... ....

    Oh I do believe.. And May god have you and keep you!

  42. r.... h....

    there's a whole world waiting just for you.... young gifted and Black ... nobody else can deliver this message like he did

  43. L.... ....

    I REMEMBER THIS SONG BECAUSE MY KINDERGARTEN TEACHER HAD US SINGING THIS SONG... YES SHE DID!!!!!!!

    L.... ....

    My 5th Grade teacher did too!!EVERY SINGLE DAY...!!!

    L.... ....

    Give A special S/O to Nina Simone the creative writer for this song

    L.... ....

    All praises to The Most High!!! to that Sista for doing so

    L.... ....

    Very lucky.......great choice for you young kids.building indisputable foundation....!!!!

    L.... ....

    That's a good teacher...

  44. 1.... ....

    This is some REAL music right here !!!!  Sang It !!!!  LOL...Never gets old

  45. g.... ....

    The Hunt is on & we're the Prey #WakeUpBlackPeople

    g.... ....

    God bless you everyone

    g.... ....

    🖤🖤🖤

    g.... ....

    WHeN YHWH(GOD) TeLL$ THe TRuTH...& THe THi$ RaCi$T WoRLD WaNT$ 2 LiE...YHWH(GOD) BeCOMe THe BaD GuY!!!!

    #NaMeaN $TaY BLe$$$$eD

    "$TaND 4 $oMeTHiNG CoNTaK...or YoU WiLL FaLL 4 aNYTHiNG YoUNG TaLeNTeD & BLaCK!!!"

    #ALLorEVERYTHiNG - HoLY GHo$T™

    www.kriskingtheinfamousghost.com #WeR1 $BMG

  46. s.... ....

    Just wish our brothers & sisters of today would wake up & realize this....Listen to the song from beginning to end. Just noticed that I wrote this same message 3 years ago on this post...still remains to this day...things have gotten worse...we have to do better.

    s.... ....

    We have to get back to the ole way..its wasn't all that bad. Husbands, wives and children...FAMILIES!

    s.... ....

    I wish this everyday, most young men who are slipping easily into thinking that they are worthless instead of young gifted and black.... Where would we be without the gift of talented black musicians.

    s.... ....

    2018...
    And Men with Men
    Women with Women
    Family structure Confused and Obsolete...

    Challenge Me if you want to

  47. S.... M....

    It's just one incredible song.

  48. A.... ....

    A friend of mine just asked me today if I would sing this song for her son's graduation ceremony. I told her I was honored and accepted. Mr. Donny Hathaway is a legend and his music touches the deepest part of your soul. To sing a song like this, you have to come from a spiritual place and a place of hurt and pain. I pray I can bring to this song what it needs so I can extend the message of the lyric. Nobody does it like Mr. Hathaway, but I hope I can bring a hopeful interpretation of mine to it.

    A.... ....

    Judging from your attitude/approach to, and reverence for, the song, and your appreciation of it's meaning and significance for our people, I'm assured that you did Mr. Hathaway, Ms. Simone, the song and your friend and her son proudly.

  49. K.... T....

    Just another day

  50. E.... C....

    innocent

  51. L.... B....

    love this song!

    L.... B....

    +Lakia Barr love you too

  52. E.... B....

    Thank God for Youtube and other media outlets. We can use this to share with those who are looking to pursue a career in music. They can hear what a real musician and vocalist sounds like.

    E.... B....

    I Totally Agree

  53. E.... L....

    If the Young people, would digest, what Donny, was trying to impart, they would get in school, stay in school and listen and learn, what real life, is ABOUT! Certainly, not all this foolishness, they bought into! This is a Viable and Loving, message, here! Please, get your heads, out of your behinds and think and listen. There is a message of Love and your Enlightenment! Pull your pants, read, watch World news, be responsible parents and Stop exposing, your babies, to the trash elements, in life! Pride in family and Self! No Teaching hatred! Young People and Parents, get it together! We are, Young, Gifted and Black! Embrace it and make it, better, for our future children! A Grandmother!

    E.... L....

    Say that!!!!!

    E.... L....

    Amen !!!

    E.... L....

    Oh gosh. Another rant about young people. It's OLDER genration that needs to take responsibility for contributing to what "young folk" have become.

  54. M.... K....

    WE must began to teach our children the truth...! WE live is a world run by Barbarians. If we allow this bullshit to continue want than will we leave our children? Too eat bullshit; Bullshit we are better than that so lets do that which we know is right. FIGHT: Black Red Green Blue and White... Goddam it it's the civilize than to do.Unit! Unit,! Unit,! Unit! Unit! Unit!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  55. T.... J....

    The feeling in his voice is palpable!

  56. W.... J....

    Man, his songs don't get old they only get better, Of note, his left hand bass part is stellar. True Genius and the best voice of all time, at least in my book!

    W.... J....

    Say it again, nobody better.

    W.... J....

    none better

  57. W.... P....

    It's Sho Nuff where its at!

  58. J.... B....

    To Be Young, Gifted and Black.

  59. w.... x....

    Way back when !! This brings back so many beautiful memories

    w.... x....

    Great sounds

    w.... x....

    Great message !!

    w.... x....

    @weziwe xameni Miss you and love you babes
     

    w.... x....

    Hayi you should learn not to start anything you cannot finish

    w.... x....

    Ungasho njalo inhliziyo ihlezi ilangazele, luyeza usuku

  60. S.... H....

    The song is a testament of unity peace love that we should have for ourselves! We should have more love respect for our black queens and elders they are the baby makers and way makers of any day and age the future of generations come from a woman who came from a grand mother speaking wise words we all can learn for a elder who has seen summers many seasons many moons and sunsets lived through there fair share of regrets only to tell wisdom 1+1 will always equal 2 one -1 will always equal what when 2 or 3 gather in his name he is in the mist the father has always been with our people from each and every one of our born day to the last breath we take in love and in faith of the poisonous life we think is cool in our youth till we come into knowledge of the right mind honest and true righteous path.

  61. F.... P....

    First position on the playlist of my soul. I have no more words about it. It's just, an heaven's gift

  62. B.... W....

    My Mentor, Weldon Irvine (R.I.P) wrote these lyrics. Actually, the original version belongs to the co-author, Nina Simone (R.I.P). Thank You

    B.... W....

    Welcome Irvine - Morning Sunrise = Jay-Z - Dear Summer

    B.... W....

    wow...Bernard, did I meet you at Waymons in sac..I want to say you were in the studio doing a song at the time...does any of that ring a bell?

    B.... W....

    Bro!!!!!! I was just thinking about you last week.. Man you are so dope and was way ahead of your time.. Your music is like nothing else.. I appreciate your contribution to the world of music and to our culture... God Bless

    B.... W....

    @Guy DeChalus WOW!! Love the way u put that

    B.... W....

    Hey Bernard Wright❤ Who Do You Love?
    Hope all is well.

  63. E.... B....

    Walk in the Gift Every Day.

  64. g.... e....

    ITS A MASTERPIECE

  65. F.... J....

    To be young black and gifted is great there is some gift in everyone most time when blacks are born they come here in pain because of the parents we as black people need to be strong and find ourselves if you have a problem seek help don't bring your gifted born into a world already crazy this song is great RIP Donny I love this song.

  66. C.... C....

    best soul singer RIP Donny

    C.... C....

    +stephen dwyer yea have to agree with you (for once) Stephen soul trad jazz funk whatever he was he was ace

    C.... C....

    there were great soul singers with the likes of marvin gaye so he is one of the greatest soul singers.

    C.... C....

    @Cosmos Goddess Marvin was great but Donny does something to my soul.

  67. L.... S....

    Some of these comments; even though everyone's entitled, are completely irrelevant.  Thank you Mr. Hathaway for your contributions to my musical growth. R.I.P. Donny Hathaway <3

    L.... S....

    Linda Smith

  68. M.... ....

    Powerful

  69. m.... t....

    i disagree with you mr darrel jones  a lot of blackman go to prison cause of what they deserve  there is not a lot of man in the black community today but undercover gays  wanna be gangster simply homothugs

    m.... t....

    You sound retarded as hell. White people who commit worse offenses or the same crime get less sentences than black people. You are completely devoid of history to understand why the black community is in the state it is in.

  70. P.... B....

    As a British Man I prefer the Bob & Marcia version. It's more up beat and optimistic rather than blues\soul. I feel this version is being stretched out and over done.

    P.... B....

    Seriously, people need to get a life. What do these comments say about one's education and up-bring? 

    P.... B....

    Peter B I think some folks assumed you were one of those pinky Brits that goes all red in the sun 😁 Bob & Marcia version is the one I am more familiar with as well, maybe it's because of the Caribbean influence in British culture.

    P.... B....

    To each its own. This original version is more emotional. On purpose.

    P.... B....

    The version Bob and Marciia did was meant for a pop audience Donnys version was for a soul audience which means Donny is gonna stretch the song and lean on every so g like you would in Church

    P.... B....

    You think that way because you know not the African American experience.

  71. N.... C....

    Times when music could change the world. Even a little bit and is enough

  72. D.... ....

    To me coming from the church, that makes it more relatable.

  73. V.... L....

    Completely agree. Both Donny & Aretha took it to CHURCH on their renditions lol.

  74. l.... ....

    In the UK, Bob & Marcia's version is probably the best known. I have just listened to Aretha's, Nina/s and now this one - they are all great.

  75. c.... ....

    Yes, we need them as parents to register and reserve for "State of the Blalck Parent"

  76. B.... S....

    Well Said! We Are The People Who Are Darker Than Blue... Truly Young, Gifted and Black!!!!!!!

  77. N.... J....

    Soul at it's finest, I just got this on vinyl original pressing for £ 13 worth every damn penny.

  78. a.... l....

    Had my children listen...They loved it They just teenagers but they get it! thank GOD!

  79. D.... ....

    Donny's version along with Aretha's version are the best. Aretha's is my ultimate favorite.

  80. C.... ....

    Its a war out here black people...remain STRONG!...god bless!

    C.... ....

    It most definitely is and some of us are too dumb to realize it. I'll be prepared though.

  81. C.... ....

    AMEN!!!!

  82. s.... ....

    If only these young lost black men/women would listen to this song and get the message......things would be different.

  83. M.... ....

    INCREDIBLE VOICE.....THAT WE AAAAAAALLLLLLL THAT WE ALLLL BE PROUD TO SAY .. aaaaaaaND WE ARE YOUNG

  84. A.... O....

    simply SUBLIME.

  85. M.... C....

    THANK YOU SO MUCH .

  86. L.... P....

    Un unsung hero and genius! what a voice....

  87. o.... ....

    THE BEST!

  88. K.... N....

    An exhortation to all of The Young Black & Women. A dedication to HRH Nzhingha.

  89. R.... M....

    lol yes it is

  90. D.... K....

    always make me cry Donny what a voice

  91. D.... K....

    What a song Donny is amazing

  92. L.... K....

    ah man ... ah man ... ah man , this is the truth right here

  93. K.... M....

    fuck!

    is the picture moving?!

  94. D.... t....

    God is so good, "to be young gifted and Black" Thank you have mercy, have marcy!!

  95. B.... ....

    been lookin for the original forever.... dont wanna hear the live one

  96. m.... b....

    Thanks for the version!!