[Verse 1]
It's not the waking, it's the rising
It is the grounding of a foot uncompromising
It's not forgoeing of the lie
It's not the opening of eyes
It's not the waking, it's the rising

[Verse 2]
It's not the shade, we should be past it
It's the light, and it's the obstacle that casts it
It's the heat that drives the light
It's the fire it ignites
It's not the waking, it's the rising

[Verse 3]
It's not the song, it is the singing
It's the hearing of a human spirit ringing
It is the bringing of the line
It is the baring of the rhyme
It's not the waking, it's the rising

[Chorus]
I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Nina cried power
Billie cried power
Mavis cried power
And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Curtis cried power
Patti cried power
Nina cried power
[Verse 4]
It’s not what’s in front but who’s beside you
It’s all that came before and what it provides you
All those that held the line
Who wouldn’t bow down and resign
It’s not the waking, it’s the rising

[Chorus: Hozier and Mavis Staples]
And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Nina cried power
James Brown cried power
Lennon cried power
And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Ah (Power, lord)
Joni cried power
Julie cried power
Nina cried power

[Bridge]
And I could cry power
Power has been cried by those stronger than me
Straight into the face that tells you
To rattle your chains if you love being free (power)
[Outro]
And I could cry power (power)
Power is my love when my love reaches to me (power, love)
James Brown cried power
Curtis cried power
Marvin cried power
Ah, power (power)
Power (power)
(Power, love)
Nina cried power, power, power
Nina cried power