Mobetta Loretta: Music

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)
• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

The song, "Rise Up and Be Free," is written through the voice of the main character, Esperanza (meaning "Hope") in the movie, "Salt of the Earth." The actress Rosaura Revueltas portrays my great aunt, Virginia Chacon. The story is about the pre-feminist struggle to shed her status as a second-class citizen and her desire to obtain equal and fair treatment on the home front.

Verse two may be explained as a change in voice from the female voice to the male voice, explained in dialogue fashion. Juan Chacon ("Ramon" in the movie) is forced to stay at home and do the household chores and care for the children while his wife is marching on the picket line. He comes face-to-face with some serious issues. He realizes that he has been guilty of displaying the same type of oppression towards his wife as he has faced from the "Company Grinch."

Verse three is the female voice returning as a triumphant symbol of strength, exuding forgiveness and grace. The suggestion of equating her character with that of a saviour is implied.

The refrain poses a refreshing change in attitude. Instead of a fight or struggle against one another, the couple unites and uses their unifed strength to fight for hope.

Oh, sometimes I just don’t know, what it will take
To put my heart out on the line, to get to what is real.
Oh, sometimes I just don’t know, if you take my heart
Will you come along, toss it rocks and stones, bury it away?
No more fightin’ no more cuttin’, no more heartache
I just can’t take it no more.
No more. No more. No more. No more. Oooh Oooh Oooh.

Chorus
Well, I’m gonna rise up and be free.
I’m gonna tell you the real story.
I’m just tryin’ to be me (free).
I need some love and understanding.

If I tell you how I feel, will you tell me it’s just not right?
That you women need your civil rights?
Will you make me stay home, and see what it’s like?
The fussin’ and the fight, our lives at home,
Is just as valid as miner’s rights.
You say you just can’t take it no more.
No more. No more. No more. No more. Oooh Oooh Oooh.

Chorus

I see the truth through the storm, I’m fightin’ for us.
I’ll bear the brunt of all the hurt and evil insults.
I’ll put up a shield. I’ll take your pain. I’ll love you like soaking rain.
Let me heal your pain.
I’ll be your protector. I’ll be your Proxy, take away your pain.
Just say my name. Just say my name.

Refrain
Together, we will stand for hope.
Together, we will build our love.
Together, we will keep the faith.
For days on end.

Copyright 2009 Mobetta Loretta Productions

Music & Lyrics by Loretta Chacon
Produced by Mobetta Loretta Band and Kevin McKee
Arrangement by Mobetta Loretta Band
Assisted by Sean Johnson


Loretta Chacon – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Raul Salazar – Drums
Kenn Lutz – Bass
Guy James – Lead Guitar
Geno - Keyboards
Mia Mercado – Background Vocals