Verse 1 There’s a light burning in the chamber, the clock says “after ten”, Nicole Collier’s still awake, refusing to give in. She wouldn’t sign away her dignity or take a police escort, While colleagues who had left the state to fight a racist map returned to court. Chorus Stand your ground, Nicole, the people know your name; You filed that suit against the watchers and the “permission” they demand. Gene Wu and Vince Perez stayed beside you through the night, And every soul who loves their freedom sings your story in the light. Verse 2 Two weeks of walking out to stop those maps that steal our voice, A quorum break for justice – like our elders left us choice. Some called for surveillance, but you said, “no, I won’t be trailed,” Because dignity and freedom are not things that can be hailed. Bridge There’s a gospel hum behind you, and a steel guitar that moans, Your stand reminds this country that our rights aren’t set in stone. When the racists try to turn the clock from progress back to chains, Nicole’s stand will echo on in every justice-loving strain.
