Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationships - India.Arie

There's so much meaning in the songs on this album; they all have that stamp of individuality yet at the same time there's at least one song to which a person can relate. After having done a bit of reading on what inspired her to do the album, I realised that life is probably the best teacher any person can have.

There's hope
It doesn't cost a thing to smile
You don't have to pay to laugh
You better thank God for that

There's a song on the album inspired by world famous freedom fighter and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. At first one would think "How cliché. How typical to write a song after meeting the man", but then I listened...

I just want you to know
After everything that we've been through
I just want you to know
That I still love you
That I still love you

For every person the words will have a specific kind of significance. I don't believe it's about what she meant but rather how I, as the listener, can relate to what she's saying. How that features in my life; the significance of those in my life...

If Nelson Mandela can forgive his oppressors
Surely I can forgive you for your passion

If Gandhi can forgive persecution
Surely you can forgive me for being so petty

If Jesus can forgive crucifixion
Surely we can survive and find resolution

At the end of the day it's all about forgiveness, as she says...

I'm only human
Let's shake free this gravity of resentment
And fly high, and fly high
You're only human
Let's shake free this gravity of judgment
And fly high on the wings of forgiveness

What I find to be of huge signifincance; what I believe is the essence of the song is when she says...

After everything that we've been through
I just want you to know
That I still love you
I want you to know
That I forgive you
(thank you for teaching how to give)
And I wanna let you know how much you changed my life
I wanna let you know you taught me how to fly
And I wrote this song to tell you this
I'm better cuz you taught me how to give

My personal favourite; about fitting in and being judged by your appearance...

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I ma not this skin
I am a soul that lives within

Crash & Burn...