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Lift You Up

by The Scooches

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William Ponsot
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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    This Limited Edition 12" Vinyl of The Scooches' 2023 album Lift You Up has all of those rich sounds that a vinyl record brings. Included you will find the album jacket and an insert with album lyrics. We hope this album lifts you up each time you listen. When you purchase this album, you are supporting grass roots indie artists who have devoted their lives to the creation of original and world class music.

    #1 album on The Folk Charts July 2023 (tied with Eliza Gilkyson)
    #2 Artist
    #3 Song - Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round
    #6 Song - Lift You Up
    #11 Song - Let's Grow Our Roots Deep And True

    Includes unlimited streaming of Lift You Up via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 14 days

      $30 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    We love playing the actual CDs. Have a CD player in your car, in your home, in an old fashioned boom box? This Compact Disk of the album comes with a beautiful 12 page insert and gorgeous photos of the band along with our cover art by 12 year old artist Seriana Russo.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Lift You Up via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 14 days

      $15 USD or more 

     

1.
Lift You Up 04:54
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Every day when I - wake up I look for the sound of the - hope for the future Reach so deep, I’m ready to make my way- falling forward - I can’t help looking for Something to gift Something to lift Something to give you, I lift you up I lift you up I lift you u-u-up Every day when I - notice the - feelings inside me that hurt me and guide me I Take one moment more - to explore what’s too real, no big deal - you and me always see there’s It’s a song, it’s a mem’ry, it’s a way forward, it’s rain in the sky It’s a string, it’s a pedal, it’s a vibration, the glint in your eye It’s laughter G D/F# It’s allowing myself to cry, it's... Something to gift Something to lift Something to give you, I lift you up I lift you up I lift you u-u-up (solos) Every day I strum my guitar how I feel something real always shaking - it’s coming Sweet and clear, I hear what I long for - this song shaking free. Yeah, the music’s in me as... Something to gift Something to lift Something to give you, I lift you up I lift you up I lift you u-u-up
2.
Let's Grow Our Roots Deep And True 03:45
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Let’s Grow Our Roots Deep And True by Betina Hershey (lyrics/music), Nick Russo (music) Hurricane, icy cold Can’t keep us from grabbing hold Let’s grow our roots deep and true When the eye is over me I’m just like a redwood tree Let’s grow our roots deep and true (3x) Though I bend to the ground Still I’m gonna stick around Let’s grow our roots deep and true Come on now, take my hand You and I can barely stand Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true (Solo) Winds of change in the air Ripping through our dark despair Let’s grow our roots deep and true Every day we survive Is one more story for our lives Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let the calm fin’lly come We’re struggling but not more than some Reach for me. I’ll reach for you Whatever comes, we’ll make do Though they shout “Go on home” Why must we forever roam? Let’s grow our roots deep and true When the storm fin’lly breaks We’ll know we got what it takes Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true (solo) Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true Let’s grow our roots deep and true
3.
Stop This Climate Change 04:48 video
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There’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay Though it feels so strange We gotta Stop This Climate Change We gotta Stop This Climate and Change We gotta Stop This Climate Change We’ve fallen in the ashes, breathed that choking air Tried to find the living, but death was waiting there I’ve been to the graveyard, seen those ghosts escape Scrambling for the mountains, in the avalanche we made Though it feels so strange We gotta Stop This Climate Change We gotta Stop This Climate and Change We gotta Stop This Climate Change Change the climate, change who we are Why deny it? We’ve gone too far No more blinders or sacrificed lambs Lend a shoulder. Toughen our hands (Instrumental) Well there’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay Though it feels so strange We gotta Stop This Climate Change We gotta Stop This Climate…And Change We gotta Stop This Climate Change Make a change, make a change Spoken Word: We gotta make a change before we wash away We all gone turn into dust if we don’t change our ways No love it’s only lust and these killings The lord give me strength to take care of these villains And most importantly please watch out for ya children You start em up young teach them how to make a difference The kids are the future, the planet’s karma sutra Instead of doing right you doing whatever suits ya But imma suit up and hit the front lines I’m earth’s soldier - I heard it from the grape vines But keep it real and understand it’s gone take time I FaceTime with God so I don’t face crime Get it? If you don’t please do not sweat it My versus like them scriptures from the man up in heaven And best believe we bout to fix the earth - hope the people get this message We bout to fix the climate - everything perfect timing Brighter than the sun that shine right in July And the solstice just passed best believe I’m aligned With the universe giving me answers, giving me guidance.
4.
Open A Door 03:39
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Open A Door by Betina Hershey (music/lyrics) Open a door, Open a door to the place you adore One little taste Before you’re erased Open a door Open a dream Open a dream that seems wide and worthwhile Look deep inside When your dreams hide and open a dream And though it may seem far too hard You must step to the task And become what you ask And though you may pull yourself back Say you’re not what they need Look again. You’re the seed that’s growing Open a chance Open a chance to be more than a glance You are the cure When you dream more - open a door (solos) And though it may seem far too hard You must step to the task And become what you ask And though you may pull yourself back Say you’re not what they need Look again. You’re the seed that’s growing Open a chance Open a chance to be more than a glance You are the cure When you dream more - open a door Look deep inside When your dreams hide Open a dream One little taste Before you’re erased Open a door A dream, a door, a chance for more A task, a need, at last, a seed A pull to grow, a cure, a door
5.
I Broke The Egg 03:53 video
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I broke the egg, I let it fall, I saw it crack against the wall And now it’s oozing to the floor You saw my fingers as it flew Oh, yeah, your face turned stiff and blue And then you slammed right out the door And now you won’t be back no more And so you’re gone, gone, gone And yeah it’s good, good, good So good for me You held me back, back, back I wanted slack, slack, slack And now I’m free (solos) My naked foot stepped in that mess So slimy, sticky, I confess That I began to shake my toe And now I’m laughing like a fool I have no plans for keeping cool I’m letting loose and letting go And so you’re gone, gone, gone And yeah it’s good, good, good But not for you You held me back, back, back I wanted slack, slack, slack And now we’re through (solos) And in the aftermath I shook I had to take a bath and look At how we always up and walk You needed me, I needed you But there is one thing we don’t do We don’t know how to sit and talk And so you’re gone, gone, gone And yeah it’s good, good, good But not for me You held me back, back, back I wanted slack, slack, slack But now I’m free And so you’re gone, gone, gone And yeah it’s good, good, good But good for who? You held me back, back, back I wanted slack, slack, slack… But I wanted you
6.
Leavin' 05:35
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Leavin’ Betina Hershey (music/lyrics), Nick Russo (music) Written for my kids, this treasure of a song is about how we sometimes temporarily leave our loved ones behind to follow our dreams. This song came out as I was driving away to tour with my band, already missing them Leavin’. It’s so hard to be leavin’ you Like I know I gotta do. Believe me. Oh, please believe me. I love you so Even though I'm gonna go. The road keeps calling, I keep falling For the dream ahead. It calls me nightly, holds on tightly Though I’d rather be with you instead. But I’m leavin’. Yeah, I’m leavin’. Remember, by mid September I’ll come back here So There’s nothing more to fear. I’m returning when dreams stop burning inside my mind, And I’m ready to unwind. The road keeps calling, I keep falling For the dream ahead. It calls me nightly, holds on tightly Though I’d rather be with you instead. But I’m leavin’. Yeah, I’m leavin’. (solos) Well, I know it’s gonna be hard When the road between us is long But no matter how far you are I’ll be back before it all goes wrong Stop bugging. Let’s get to hugging and say goodbye, even as we cry. Just hold me. Go on and scold me but I tell you true, I’m coming back for you. The road keeps calling, I keep falling For the dream ahead. It calls me nightly, holds on tightly Though I’d rather be with you instead. But I’m leavin’. Yeah, I’m leavin’. Extended ending: Still believing Though I’m grieving By the next full moon Though I’m leaving now I’ll be back soon Though I’m leaving now I’ll be back soon Though I’m leaving now I’ll be back soon Take this as a vow I’ll be back soon Though I’m leaving now I’ll be back soon
7.
What’s Meant To Last Will Last 03:24
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What’s Meant To Last Will Last by Betina Hershey (Inspired by songs from the 1920’s and written as a celebration. Sometimes we need to let go of the past to be joyfully present.) Don’t you wanna throw it all away Don’t you need to clear the system Don’t you wanna throw away the past What’s meant to last will last Don’t you want to sweep the dirt Though the sweeping, it may hurt Don’t you wanna clear the path What’s meant to last will last Oh I know you and you know me, too And I know all the things you wanna do Don’t you wanna laugh out loud Don’t you wanna make yourself proud Don’t you wanna have a blast What’s meant to last will last (Solo) Don’t you wanna fill up your shoes Don’t you wanna outshine the news Don’t you wanna give up the past What’s meant to last will last Don’t you want to clean that slate Don’t you wanna fill up your plate Don’t you want to end this fast What’s meant to last will last Oh I know you and you know me I think this journey - might set us free Don’t you wanna laugh out loud Don’t you wanna make yourself proud Don’t you wanna have a blast What’s meant to last will last (Solo) Ooh, the breezes, how they blow How it teases with the - things I wanna know Don’t you wanna laugh out loud Don’t you wanna make yourself proud Don’t you wanna have a blast What’s meant to last will last Don’t you wanna throw it all away Don’t you need to clear the system Don’t you wanna throw away the past What’s meant to last will last Don’t you wanna throw away the past What’s meant to last will last
8.
Run 01:58
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Run by Betina Hershey (Dedicated to oppressed women everywhere, and to victims of gun violence) I am looking for your soul Hiding from your gun I am frozen in my tracks I’m looking for a chance to run Frozen by this rotten log I recall the day That I first did hear that lie That led me here today People are good We’re all the same People are beautiful No matter who they blame Mama tried to feed my dreams Hide my one true fate But this world of darkness seems To bring me only hate Hate was swirling all around Gumming up the vines Like a demon makes no sound Like poison in my wine People are good We’re all the same People are beautiful No matter who they blame Oooh I am looking in your eyes And I know what you've done I’ll be here for all my days Just looking for a chance to run I’m looking for a chance to run Still looking for a chance to run
9.
Spread Your Wings And Fly 04:33
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Spread Your Wings And Fly by Betina Hershey (lyrics/music) and Nick Russo (music) (Believe we can each make a difference and change the world for the better!) Ain’t no use in sitting on the side lines Watching other folks ignore the signs Get on up and see what the future brings When you Spread Your Wings How you gonna change things if you’re hidden Cut the strings that keep you where you’ve been You can change a life, change most everything When you Spread Your Wings CHORUS Spread your wings and fly Come on, take to the sky With a dream of unity that sings Spread your wings and fly Like a sure sunrise Come on, spread your wings See the hope around you like a beacon Asking you to start what must be done You got more to say on how much freedom rings When you Spread Your Wings Spread your wings and fly Come on, take to the sky With a dream of unity that sings Spread your wings and fly Like a sure sunrise Come on, spread your wings And just because you’re down right now Don’t make it a place you gotta stay There are friends you don’t know no how Who’ll help you clear the cobwebs away … yeah Spread your wings and fly Come on, take to the sky With a dream of unity that sings Spread your wings and fly Like a sure sunrise Come on, spread your wings
10.
Give It To Me Real 03:56
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Give It To Me Real B. Hershey (lyrics/music) After so much time Avoiding my glances You’ve got something on your mind I’m taking my chances No more staying quiet Talk to me. Just try it. I can take it What’s on your mind I won’t break And I’m not blind You’ve got something holding you back I can feel Give it to me real Give it to me real You used to smile Like I was golden It’s been a while What cha been holding back So much left unspoken I don’t think we’re broken CHORUS Look in my eyes. My heart’s open I’m ready for this cry Reach for me now. I will listen, So please don’t lie. CHORUS: I can take it What’s on your mind I won’t break And I’m not blind You’ve got something holding you back I can feel Give it to me real Give it to me real Break open and reveal The way you really feel No, don’t conceal No, you don’t have to be ideal I won’t break… I won’t break… Give it to me…
11.
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round 04:38
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Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round Traditional (A traditional protest song, this version is a celebration!) Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let no hatred Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let no hatred I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let injustice Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let injustice I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Additional improvised spoken word: R.I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h): Turn around, turn around, turn around, yeah If you’ve got frowns, only smiles be allowed here I’ve gotta reach, I gotta soar, make my Momma proud No bad vibes. I’m gonna need you to turn around I got rhymes like the sky only got clouds But for the love, never catch a, catch a cloud Escaped a life of crime, took a different route Ra$h Ca$h, I’m gonna show you what I’m ‘really ‘bout Hey, I’m ‘bout show you what I’m ‘really ‘bout I’m ‘bout show you what I’m ‘really ‘bout So turn around, turn around, turn around, yeah Ain’t gonna let no stumbling block Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let no stumbling block Turn me around I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let no bully Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let no bully Turn me around I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Freedom, freedom Improvised Spoken Word: ‘Bout show you what I’m ‘really ‘bout Like a show when you know we ‘bout to ride the croud And you know we gonna keep the music real going high And you know we gotta keep it good, good vibes And you know we gotta keep it right, and we gotta keep it tight, though we’re flying by Like the birds in the sky And you know I gotta stay with the rhymes, eh And you know I gotta have a good time Keep it with the groove and you know we got advice Eh, the crowd’s moving And you know we gotta keep the beat groovin’ And you know I stay with the chords groovin’ Eh, you know I don’t lose it No, and I stay to prove it I’m one of the best and you know I be chosen And you know the rhymes be too golden And I’m with the group and you’re about to know it Yeah, we ‘bout to really show it Turn it around, turn it around We gonna come up with new sounds, new sounds And we don’t come with no frowns, come with no frowns And I’m ‘bout to turn it around, turn it around, turn it around Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round Ain’t gonna let no hatred Turn me around I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land
12.
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round - Gullah Geechee 02:47
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Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round - Gullah Geechee Traditional (This ever-timely traditional protest song is such a deep, important song. This is a gut level, powerful, version led in the spirit of protest by Gullah Geechee percussionist/vocalist Dr. David Pleasant honoring the folks that have worked hard and for those that lost their lives fighting against racism. ) Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let no hatred Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let no hatred I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let injustice Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let injustice I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Ain’t gonna let no jailhouse Turn me around, turn me around, turn me around Ain’t gonna let no jailhouse Turn me around I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Freedom, freedom (Improv) Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round, turn me ‘round Ain’t gonna let nobody Turn me ‘round I’m gonna keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up to freedom land Improvised Ending: Freedom Over Me rhap! by David Pleasant, Drumfolk Riddim Specialist Freedom, freedom over me Freedom over me Freedom, freedom over me Freedom over me

about

Led by vocalist Betina Hershey and multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo, The Scooches, formerly known as Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, have assembled a world-class lineup of musicians from New York, Suriname, Sapelo Island (Georgia), Mexico, and the Caribbean on LIFT YOU UP. The vital new 12-song collection builds upon the exuberance that made 2018’s ‘Get Us Out Of Fearland’ (#2 on the International Folk Alliance Chart) and ‘Very Next Thing’ (2016), a transcendent breath of fresh air.

Inspired by the current social climate, the songs on LIFT YOU UP, including “Stop This Climate Change”, “Spread Your Wings And Fly”, and “Open A Door” call upon society and the human race to believe that we, collectively, can make a difference, a change for the better.

"Not just music forged from myriad sounds and cultural styles garnered from genre and geography but the music of the world, about the world." - The Big Takeover

Other highlights include the reggae-dub groove of title track “Lift You Up”, the playful, country break-up song “I Broke The Egg,” the 1920s-inspired “What’s Meant To Last Will Last,” the smoky Motown-inflected duet “Give It To Me Real” (featuring Griffith and Hershey trading lines), the gospel-tinged “Leavin’,” the eerily lilting “Run,” about trafficking and gun violence, and the rollicking bluegrass-driven “Let’s Grow Our Roots Deep And True,” about finding home.

The ever-timely traditional protest song “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” is presented in two versions and both are stunners; the first a celebration to lift the spirits, the second a Gullah Geechee version featuring stirring improvisational vocals from Miles Griffith and percussionist/vocalist Dr. David Pleasant.

With additional contributions from Aditya Phatak (tabla), Mamadou Ba (bass), Harvey Wirht (drums) and Brooklyn rapper Ra$h Ca$h, The Scooches raise their voices, their instruments, their consciousness, with an eclectic melting pot of original music inspired by world folk traditions, global Americana, New Orleans and 1920s. Elmore Magazine championed the group’s “remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.”

credits

released July 14, 2023

Songs by Betina Hershey, Nick Russo, with spoken word by (Ra$h Ca$h) Rashaan I. A. Salaam.
Produced and Arranged by Nick Russo
Produced, engineered, mixed by Len Monacello
Mastered by Mark Dann
Recorded at Soundtronics
Album Cover by Seriana Russo

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The Scooches New York, New York

NYC based The Scooches members have played with the likes of Paul McCartney, Jon Batiste with performances at Kansas City Folk Festival, 2017 NERFA Semi-Formal showcase, Club Passim, Isis Music Hall, WoodSongs, Blue Plate Special, John Platt's WFUV FM, On Your Radar, Westchester Round Up.
Film appearances: Mona Lisa Smile, Away We Go, Disney's Enchanted & PBS Masterpiece,The Chaperone. ... more

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