Sullen Countenance Songtext
von Adrian Younge

Solving the questions posed
By the shadows of malevolent stereotypes
Is a mystery we′ve already solved

We understand where it comes from
But it's hard to ascertain why it still persists
How is it that we are moulded at the seam?
Blooming black leaves as we bleed

Image versus identity
We are a stereotypical imprint the moment we are born
We are immediately targeted by sullen countenance
White is defined as pure, holy, and the opposite of black

Science states that black is the absence of light
And colour is a phenomenon of light
However, a black object or black images printed on white paper
Are made from pigment, not light


This means that artists must use their darkest colour of paint
To approximate black stereotypes
In order to further criminalise the negro
If I told you that America is the artist
Would you still define me as being black?

History is a weapon
Sadly, this album will never be out of date
But I know the universal language of sound
Will reverberate beyond my years

Listen closely, raise your children to love like children
Embrace humanity, regardless of hue
Be the best version of yourself
Because there is nobody that′s better at being you, than you

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable
In the movement, as the moment is fleeting
Know that fear causes trauma to the brain
Resulting in the paralysis of the mind, body, and soul

The antidote is understanding
And the mission is to remain standing
Beyond our own mortality
A message from the American negro