From across the continent that some once described as dark
I feel a vibration, feel a rhythm, feel a spark
When my spirit is feeling low, this natural mystic lifts me so
Like a bongo or Orisha drum, deep in the Congo calling me, “Sandra, come!”

Ancient rhythm!
Makes me feel to dance!
Rhythm!
Dance, dance, puts me in a trance!
Ancient rhythm!
I can’t control mih feet!
Rhythm!
Can’t resist the beat!

I was scarred by their whip, I was tarred on their ship
I was used, I was wronged but that can’t keep me down
Though my face they may scorn, they crown me with thorns
I’m the root, I’m the rock, resolute like mih locs!

Ancient rhythm!
You healer of my pain!
Rhythm!
Pain, pain, make me whole again!
Ancient rhythm!
though I travel far!
Rhythm!
I, I, I am Africa!

Brought here to this land which I now do call my home,
Trinbagonian, though my spirit it still roams
In the ghetto, born and raised
To my ancestors, I stay giving praise
True religion, peace I found
Meditation when I lay on the mourning ground.

Ancient rhythm!
You healer of my pain!
Rhythm!
Pain, pain, make me whole again!
Ancient rhythm!
Flowing through my veins,
Rhythm,
Breaking all your chains!

Now I’m free as a bird, liberty is the word
West Indian, Caribbean, African, Nubian queen
My skin they may spurn, with crosses they burn
No, I won’t be denied, there is beating inside!

Ancient rhythm!
You healer of my pain!
Rhythm!
Pain, pain, make me whole again!
Ancient rhythm!
Deep within my soul!
Rhythm,
Red, green, black and gold!

Ariwo Ogun ye, Ariwo Ogun ye…

So in time I learned that with talent I was blessed
I learn to let it go and let mih God do the rest
Ever humble, with open eyes
Though I stumble, still I rise
From every lesson, yes, I learned
Helping others in return.

Ancient rhythm!
You make me want to dance!
Rhythm!
Dance, dance, put me in a trance!
Ancient rhythm!
All them days I miss!
Rhythm, as I reminisce!

Best Village as a teen, heritage, Bele queen
Moving on, kaiso, going strong, thanks Crusoe!
Dignity, and in time, victory it was mine, memories,
Lady B, cemetery, oh Mammy! Mammy!

Ancient rhythm!
You healer of my pain!
Rhythm!
Pain, pain, make me whole again!
Ancient rhythm!
Be my destiny!
Rhythm!
Come, come, come, set me truly free!

Self reliant, for on an island I was born
Still defiant, I learn to dig deep and be strong
When my critics hurt me so
Through my music, I does feel a glow
These vibrations give me strength
True libation, heaven sent.

Ancient rhythm!
Healer of my pain
Rhythm!
Pain, pain, make me whole again!
Ancient rhythm!
You captivate my soul
Rhythm!
My future I behold!

I am awake, I’m alive, bend not break, I’ll survive
Not naive, aiming high, I believe I can fly,
In their mind they may laugh, still refining my craft
In my blood there remains like a flood through my veins!

Ancient rhythm!
You make me want to dance!
Rhythm!
Dance, dance, put me in a trance!
Ancient rhythm!
Captivate my soul!
Rhythm!
My future I behold.