Prompt 2 Chedel: Musical performance of community and solidarity

For my song, I chose Alicia Keys’ song “We Are Here.” 

I like this one because it’s not just a performance, it’s really a call for people to come together. She talks about problems happening in the world, but instead of it being depressing, the way she sings it makes you feel like we’re all connected and can do something about it. In the chorus, where she repeats “we are here,” it feels super powerful. It’s almost like a chant that everyone can join in on, which gives it this communal vibe. When people in the audience sing along, it turns the moment into something bigger than just Alicia Keys performing; it becomes about everyone standing together for peace and love. I think that connects to shape note singing because the main point in both isn’t about sounding perfect or fancy, but about community and unity through music. It’s about people raising their voices together, which is why this song felt like such a good example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKmDgk8Edg