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Monica, “Still Standing”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 26 (2022) [📷: Arek Socha, Benjamin Balazs, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, J, Ketut Subiyanto, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Sony Music Entertainment]In the 26th edition of Lit Music That Lifts, we’re uplifted by Grammy-winning R&B singer, Monica,  performing “Still Standing.”

Welcome to Lit Music That Lifts (LMTL), or Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 for short! TMusic Lifts seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 26th edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2022), we highlight 🎵 “Still Standing” as performed by 🎙 Monica featuring 🎙 Ludacris.  

Monica, Still Standing [📷: J /Sony Music Entertainment]“Mama always told me / Baby, you gotta walk by faith / And not by sight.” To that, I say, 🎙 Monica, your mom was incredibly prudent.  The 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B artist speaks these words in the intro of 🎵 “Still Standing”, the title track from her 2010 album. The gorgeously produced (🎛 Bryan-Michael Cox) joint is inspirational.  Throughout the course of the song, a serious and sincere Monica clearly expresses she’s been through it. “I been through the storm / Had dirt on my name,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “I’m still holdin’ on / Champion of the game…” Even though it’s not always been easy for Mo, she’s “Letting go, and letting God” – AMEN! The chorus perfectly captures her journey as well as her perseverance, resilience, and encouragement to others who’ve experienced their share of adversity.

“I been up against the ropes

Everything you’re goin’ through

I been there before

Seen ‘em all come

And I seen ‘em all go

You can bet your last that my head won’t hit the floor

Never

I’m still standing, standing, standing, standing

I’m still standing, standing, standing, standing.”

🎙 Ludacris echoes Monica’s sentiments in the third verse, asserting strength despite adversity, push back, and otherwise.  “I’m unbreakable baby /… I may have done the things they said I did / But I’m not who they say I am,” he spits, continuing, “Try to throw my name in the dirt / But I don’t give a damn / I’m still standing like the statue of liberty / And I put my name in the history books.” Woo! If you need a confidence boost and a faith increase, look no further than “Still Standing.”


 🎙 Monica💿 Still Standing 🏷 J / Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2010

Monica, “Still Standing”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 26 (2022) [📷: Arek Socha, Benjamin Balazs, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, J, Ketut Subiyanto, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Sony Music Entertainment]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.