

Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family's band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving member. During her time in the group, she recorded the hit singles "I'll Take You There" and "Let's Do It Again". In 1969, Staples released her self-titled debut solo album.
Staples continued to release solo albums throughout the following decades and collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, Arcade Fire, Nona Hendryx, Ry Cooder, and David Byrne. Her eighth studio album You Are Not Alone (2010), earned critical acclaim, and became her first album as a soloist to reach number one on a Billboard chart, peaking atop the Top Gospel Albums chart. It also earned Staples her first Grammy Award win. Following this, she released the albums One True Vine (2013), Livin' on a High Note (2016), If All I Was Was Black (2017), and We Get By (2019); she is also featured on the single "Nina Cried Power" by Hozier.
Staples is the recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has won three Grammy Awards, including one for Album of the Year as a featured artist on We Are by Jon Batiste. Named one of the '100 Greatest Singers of all Time' by Rolling Stone in 2008; Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018, as a member of The Staple Singers. Additionally, she was made a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2016. The following year, she was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a soloist. In 2019, she received the inaugural Rock Hall Honors Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as a soloist.
I was feelin' strung out, hung out on the line.
Saw myself a goin', down to war in June.
All I want, all I want is to write myself a tune.
Wrote a song for truth.
Wrote a song For everyone
And I couldn't even talk to you.
Richmond 'bout to blow up, communication failed.
If you see the answer, now's the time to say.
All I want, all I want is to get you down and pray.
Saw the people standin' thousand years in chains.
Somebody said it's different now, look, it's just the same.
Pharoah's spin the message, 'round and 'round the truth.
They could have saved a million people, how can I tell you?
No truer words have been posted on these many threads.
take a load for free;
Take a load off Annie,
And (and) (and) you can put the load right on me.
Yes, and Mavis Staples also sang "The Weight" with The Band in "The Last Waltz". It's a pretty traditional folk song structure. You'll have to ask John Fogerty about his inspiration for this tune from 1969.
Thanks alot Bill & Rebecca!
May RP live forever.
All the best from Austria,
Roman.
Are you serious?
Bay City Rollers are calling you on your cell phone.
Well said I had never heard this before, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, I think I may have just been rescued, life not good right now thanks Mavis!
Sending hugs to you - sorry things are not allowing you a "happy-place" to rest and heal! And that pic of Mavis - she positively glows with life. I love this song, because it reminds me that I truly am not alone. I'm glad it helped you. I wish that saying "hang in there" would be enough, but somehow, hugs work better.
Saw her live last night - the crowd was a little older and somewhat subdued but this lady was awesome and her band rocked - guitar player was great and the bass player not only was good, he picked up an electric six string and played one smokin' hot solo. Great mix of old and new, gospel and rock. I would highly recommend seeing this awesome woman if and when she tours near you.
I've seen her twice before and your are right on. And Miss Mavis is still out there doing it live at age 82! She'll be opening for Bonnie Raitt this summer! Can't wait to see her again, always a good time.
Thanks.
How come no lyrics available? For those who want them,
I was feelin' strung out, hung out on the line.
Saw myself a goin', down to war in June.
All I want, all I want is to write myself a tune.
Wrote a song for truth.
Wrote a song For everyone
And I couldn't even talk to you.
Richmond 'bout to blow up, communication failed.
If you see the answer, now's the time to say.
All I want, all I want is to get you down and pray.
Saw the people standin' thousand years in chains.
Somebody said it's different now, look, it's just the same.
Pharoah's spin the message, 'round and 'round the truth.
They could have saved a million people, how can I tell you?