Simply Nina

Nina, Nina, Nina
Composer writer singer extraordinaire
Uncompromised, beauty, strong with beautiful black skin thick black hair
Fearless poet activist mother, sister, friend
Fighting for your life till the very end
Often misunderstood often shunned and locked out
By those that cared not to know what the fuss was about
Praised for your musical genius, worshipped for your gifts
Feared for you undying plight fighting for civil rights

Nina, Nina, Nina
Influencer user of jazz, gospel, temptress of the blues
Enchantress of melodic sounds like soft rain hitting the wet ground
Your vocal ability touched souls from all around
Though many have tried to emulate your elegance your grace
Your style the way your hips would sway in a rhythmic way

Nina, Nina, Nina
Never afraid to show America the mirrored reflection of her hate
Never afraid to show the mirrored reflection of her cold heart based on race
Gave us pride with Black Beautiful and Gifted
It spoke to our hearts while lifting our spirits
Nina, Nina, Nina
You put a spell on us with the richness of your voice the richness of your tone
You dammed Mississippi for killing the innocent without pretense
For the lynching, imprisoning for all the bullets
For the rocks that had been thrown

Nina, Nina, Nina
Your beautiful chocolate skin
Intriguing eyes, the kindness in your smile
Despite the paint often felt on the inside
The canvas of your life was filled with extraordinary colors
Shadows of love of happiness of sadness and pain
Your music so strong it hits you like a freight train never mind the force from the hit after hearing your piano the flame has been lit
Lit down into the depths of the soul a secret place where our love for your talents teaching and gifts unfold
Nina, Nina, Nina
You inspired a whole generation during your reign
Gave them hope when their hope had weaned
Taught the world love even when hate continued to spread
Watched as Black folks desperately tried to put Jim Crow out of our heads

Nina, Nina, Nina
You shared yourself, your talents with the world
You shared even when the world doubted the little Black Girl
You made your mark and staked your claim
Now the entire world will forever remember your name

By Emphatically