I wrote this during one of the lowest times I had ever experienced and while I was trying to imagine a possible future beyond my present circumstances the imagery that came to me was that scene in a movie where someone crosses the finish line to a slow clap. So I made the beat and wrote the song looking forward to a time where I would be able to cross the finish line if I didn't give up. I recently found a message with a friend where I was telling them about having made this song and how I was going to do an album. The message is from over 5 years ago.
lyrics
I crossed the finish line to a slow clap, hey
They applauded coz they knew it was hard
I'm reminiscing like a throwback, ya
Coz its been a long road from the start
Coz I sprained my ankle and I fell to the ground
Pain reflected in the eyes of those who made up the crowd
Other runners passing by only concerned with the crown
Throwing in the towel hurt more than the pain I feel now
So I carried on, my legs screaming I should forfeit
Greatest enemy the inner me I was at war with
Coz giving in was the reasonable option
As the distance stretched, and the pain mingled with exhaustion
Had to reach inside for reserves of strength
To rebel against the voice that said to relent
Coz I know a couple people still rooting for me
May not win, but I’ma do this thing beautifully, you’ll see
I'm still standing on broken limbs
My heart kept working when hope was slim
Even though the road was grim
I’m still here, I'm still here
My competition is myself now, hey
I ain’t never even checking their charts
I only wish to make myself proud, ya
Just to feel the joy swell in my heart
But the world’s watching and reporters on the sideline
I’m so broke can’t afford to let my mind slide
I hold hope in hands that broke dreams
And the road’s so long, that damn, my toes bleed
And its not just me, there’s other stragglers too
Does this world understand what we battling through
We finding comfort in numbers so we huddle together
Yelling “get up”, when I fall, we overcoming whatever
Yo we all gotta make it, solo victory won’t count
I wanna hear your name when the victors are called out
Coz I know you’re also rooting for me
May not win but we gon do this thing beautifully, you’ll see
I'm still standing on broken limbs
My heart kept working when hope was slim
Even though the road was grim
I’m still here, I'm still here
I probably wont be on the winners podium
And I won’t be popping champagne
But I’m here and I’m stronger now
Coz I didn’t bow down to the pain
My momma’s book said God breathed, into this dust
That tell me that Im infinite, trust
I’m unbreakable, my spirit is much
Stronger than life’s trials, and I know that my strength is enough
What if I was never broken but the mirror that I used
Had me measuring self by an image that wasn’t true
Its my own race I’ll run it different from you
I know its uphill but I finna see the view
Some people wrote me off, they were thinking I was through
I did the same when living was difficult to do
But Im still here, it may not mean a lot to you
But this is history in the making when you see me as I move
Towards the line as they slow clap
And flash my crooked smile coz I know that I made it
Fist up on some pro-black
And finally allow myself to fall on the pavement
I'm still standing on broken limbs
My heart kept working when hope was slim
Even though the road was grim
I’m still here, I'm still here
I'm still standing on broken limbs
My heart kept working when hope was slim
Even though the road was grim
I’m still here, I'm still here
This song is for the broken limping to the finish line
Those who have fallen and risen infinite times
You may not be the winners in their eyes
But knowing you didn’t falter, this is the prize!
Congratulations...
I'm still here, aiwa ndichiripo
I'm still here, aiwa ndichiripo
I'm still here, aiwa ndichiripo
I'm still here, aiwa ndichiripo
I'm still here
credits
from A Travel Guide For The Broken,
released March 10, 2022
Featuring : Debbie with a T
Arrangement and co-production : Synik
Arrangement and co-production : Tayob J
Bass : Hernán Castillo
supported by 6 fans who also own “Still Here (Ndichiripo) (ft Debbie with a T)”
Just a beautiful jazzy rap album with buttery smooth flows versed with huge talent. It's not only lovely to the ears, but the lyrics are profound and empowering about the struggles that she faces. zhangtastic
supported by 5 fans who also own “Still Here (Ndichiripo) (ft Debbie with a T)”
As soon as I heard the song Like Really I just had to buy the album. Then I finished listening to all the songs, and knew I made a good choice. Oddisee is one of the best hip hop artists on bandcamp. Devin Anderson
Deeply textured experimental hip-hop from Burkina Faso with an electronic flourish; engineered to blow speakers and open minds. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 12, 2023