Proud Of Me

Angie Heimann - Proud Of Me
Fort Bragg, California
Inspired by Maxine Hong Kingston's Woman Warrior

Listen to the Track:

Quote from the songwriter:
I chose to write about the narrator's fantasy about being a warrior for her village and how that fantasy contrasted the reality of growing up female in Chinese American family.

Lyrics to the song:
Hair under helmet, weapon unsheathed
Hard armor flattens the soft curves beneath
If I were a man I could take off my mask
But veiled I lead thousands of men on this task
You carved a map on my back, mama it burns
If I don’t live to walk home still I’ll return
Those who ride with me come by their own choice
The people are speaking and we are their voice

You would be so proud of me
You would be so proud of me
The shell of an ordinary girl
Please look beneath

My true love found me alone in my tent
Coccooned in the shadows, the hours we spent
I carry my baby now close to my breast
My love rides beside me, we’re leading the rest

You would be so proud of me
You would be so proud of me
Unbinding the hands of our people
I’ll fight ‘til we’re free

Growing our army to take back this land
The spirits breathe strength, they are guiding my hand
Our song rises high, it’s a sonorous humming
I think those in the palace know we are coming

When we are free I won’t fight anymore
Come back to my hometown to those I adore
Mama, oh mama your daughter is worthy
Daddy, oh daddy I’m fighting for you

You would be so proud of me
You would be so proud of me

Unbinding the hands of our people
I’ll fight ‘til we’re free
The pen is the mightiest sword
Mama, if you could see
You’d be so proud of me
You ‘d be so proud of me
You should be so proud of me

© Angie Heimann