The Meaning Behind The Song: Fight For You by H.E.R.
Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known under the stage name H.E.R., gained recognition for her ethereal and introspective R&B music. Among her hits, “Fight For You” stands out due to its lively and rhythmic sound, empowering lyrics, and social commentary. Appearing in the soundtrack of the 2021 movie Judas and the Black Messiah, the song echoes the struggles of the Black community and calls for unity, empowerment, and justice. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “Fight For You,” its context, and its impact.
The Story Behind The Song
H.E.R. wrote and produced “Fight For You” for the soundtrack of Judas and The Black Messiah, a biographical drama that follows the life of Fred Hampton, an activist and chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, who was killed by a police raid in 1969. The movie investigates Hampton’s life, perspective, and influence, as well as the systemic racism, police brutality, and state repression that he and his community faced. H.E.R. was inspired by the movie’s themes and purpose, and sought to create a song that would honor Hampton’s legacy and convey the message of resistance and resilience.
She stated in an interview with The New York Times, “I wanted to write from the perspective of somebody fighting for something, somebody who was willing to die for what they believe in.” The song features dense arrangements of drums, bass lines, synths, horns, and background vocals, and H.E.R.’s soulful voice oscillates between gentle whispers and powerful growls. The lyrics draw from the experiences of Black people, especially women, and invite listeners to stand up against injustice and oppression.
The Lyrics and Themes
“Fight For You” describes a struggle for dignity, equality, and self-determination in the face of oppression and violence. The lyrics refer to the historical context of Black resistance and highlight the challenges and achievements of the protagonists:
“We had to fight for what we believe in
Had to fight for our equal rights
It’s a struggle, but we’ll make it work yeah
You gotta sacrifice”
The song acknowledges the complexity and diversity of the Black community and the multiple forms of struggle that they experience. For instance, the chorus tackles the theme of police brutality and the need to protect oneself and one’s loved ones from harm:
“I’ma take a bullet, meant for you
‘Cause you’re my brother, you’re my sister too
I’m gon’ fight for you until the day that I die
I’m gon’ fight for you, I’m gon’ fight for you”
Moreover, the lyrics address the issue of representation and visibility, and the importance of affirming Black identity and culture:
“Don’t let them divide us
They put a hole in my heart now
We gotta stand up to evil”
The song highlights how the struggle for social justice and political freedom requires collective action, empathy, and mutual support, rather than individualistic competition or aggression. H.E.R. explained that she aimed to show “unity and love” through the song, and to inspire listeners not to give up in the face of adversity.
The Impact and Reception
“Fight For You” has received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics, soulful performance, and social relevance. The song won the Best Original Song award at the 2021 Academy Awards ceremony, becoming H.E.R.’s first Oscar win and her second award for the movie soundtrack. The song’s placement in the movie and its resonance with the themes and message of the film contributed to its popularity and impact.
Furthermore, “Fight For You” contributed to H.E.R.’s rising profile as a socially conscious and versatile artist. Since its release, the song has charted in various countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, and France, and has accumulated millions of streams and views on various platforms. The song has also sparked conversations on race relations, police brutality, and political activism, and has been featured in various media outlets and events.
The Music Video and Visuals
The music video for “Fight For You” features H.E.R. singing and playing guitar in a studio, surrounded by a diverse group of dancers and musicians. The video incorporates archival footage and images that portray the Black Panther Party, Fred Hampton, and other pivotal figures and events of the Civil Rights movement.
The visuals emphasize the song’s themes of unity, resistance, and resilience, and showcase the cultural richness and creativity of Black people. The video’s director, Savanah Leaf, stated that she sought to pay homage to the legacy of the Black Panther Party and to portray H.E.R. as a symbol of hope and empowerment. The video’s aesthetics and message resonate with the song’s lyrics and enhance its impact and reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the song “Fight For You”?
“Fight For You” is a song that describes a struggle for dignity, equality, and self-determination in the face of oppression and violence. The lyrics refer to the historical context of Black resistance and highlight the challenges and achievements of the protagonists. The song acknowledges the complexity and diversity of the Black community and the multiple forms of struggle that they experience.
What inspired H.E.R. to write “Fight For You”?
H.E.R. wrote and produced “Fight For You” for the soundtrack of Judas and The Black Messiah, a biographical drama that follows the life of Fred Hampton, an activist and chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, who was killed by a police raid in 1969. The movie investigates Hampton’s life, perspective, and influence, as well as the systemic racism, police brutality, and state repression that he and his community faced. H.E.R. was inspired by the movie’s themes and purpose, and sought to create a song that would honor Hampton’s legacy and convey the message of resistance and resilience.
What is the message of “Fight For You”?
The message of “Fight For You” is to inspire listeners to stand up against injustice and oppression, to show unity and love through collective action, empathy, and mutual support, and to empower marginalized communities to assert their rights, dignity, and culture. The song highlights the complex and diverse experiences of the Black community and invites listeners to connect with them on various levels.
What is the significance of the chorus in “Fight For You”?
The chorus in “Fight For You” tackles the theme of police brutality and the need to protect oneself and one’s loved ones from harm. The lyrics state, “I’ma take a bullet, meant for you/ ‘Cause you’re my brother, you’re my sister too/ I’m gon’ fight for you until the day that I die/ I’m gon’ fight for you, I’m gon’ fight for you.” The chorus sets a tone of solidarity, courage, and sacrifice, and invites listeners to symbolically enter into a shared struggle for freedom and justice.
What are the main musical elements in “Fight For You”?
The main musical elements in “Fight For You” include dense arrangements of drums, bass lines, synths, horns, and background vocals, as well as H.E.R.’s soulful voice which oscillates between gentle whispers and powerful growls. The song combines elements of soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop, and creates a lively and rhythmic sound that complements the song’s messages and themes.
What is the role of the music video in “Fight For You”?
The music video for “Fight For You” features H.E.R. singing and playing guitar in a studio, surrounded by a diverse group of dancers and musicians. The video incorporates archival footage and images that portray the Black Panther Party, Fred Hampton, and other pivotal figures and events of the Civil Rights movement. The visuals emphasize the song’s themes of unity, resistance, and resilience, and showcase the cultural richness and creativity of Black people.
Who directed the music video for “Fight For You”?
The music video for “Fight For You” was directed by Savanah Leaf, a filmmaker, choreographer, and photographer based in Los Angeles. Leaf has directed and produced various music videos, documentaries, and commercials. She has collaborated with artists such as SZA, Common, Kamasi Washington, and Jay-Z, and has been recognized for her artistic vision and social commentary.
What is the significance of the Best Original Song award at the 2021 Academy Awards for “Fight For You”?
“Fight For You” won the Best Original Song award at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, becoming H.E.R.’s first Oscar win and her second award for the movie soundtrack. The award recognizes the artistic and technical excellence of the song, as well as its contribution to the movie’s narrative and themes. The award also symbolizes the importance of social justice and political activism in contemporary culture and highlights the role of music in promoting empathy, critical thinking, and social change.
What is the impact of “Fight For You” on the music industry?
“Fight For You” contributed to H.E.R.’s rising profile as a socially conscious and versatile artist. The song’s placement in the movie and its resonance with the themes and message of the film contributed to its popularity and impact. Furthermore, the song has sparked conversations on race relations, police brutality, and political activism, and has been featured in various media outlets and events.
What is the legacy of Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party?
Fred Hampton was a charismatic and influential leader of the Illinois Black Panther Party, who advocated for intercommunalism, class unity, and revolutionary socialism. He led various initiatives to empower Black people and to challenge systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality. His assassination by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department in 1969 was a tragic loss for the Black community and for the struggle for social justice.
The Black Panther Party was a political and social movement that emerged in the 1960s, and aimed to protect and serve Black communities, to promote self-determination, and to challenge white supremacy and imperialism. The Party advocated for various social and economic reforms, such as free healthcare, education, and housing, and for armed self-defense against police brutality and state repression. The Party’s legacy is complex and contested, and has influenced various social justice movements worldwide.
What is H.E.R.’s role and perspective in contemporary music?
H.E.R. is a talented and innovative artist who combines introspective lyrics, soulful melodies, and diverse instrumentation in her music. She has gained critical acclaim for her EPs, albums, and live performances, and has won several awards, including Grammys, BET Awards, and an Academy Award. Her music addresses various themes and issues, such as love, relationships, mental health, and social justice, and aims to foster empathy, authenticity, and empowerment. H.E.R.’s role in contemporary music is to challenge stereotypes, to create new sounds and narratives, and to inspire listeners to think critically and creatively about themselves and the world.
