Stand Up (Cynthia Erivo song)


"Stand Up", officially titled "Stand Up ", is a song sung by English singer Cynthia Erivo and co-written by Erivo with Joshuah Brian Campbell. It was released on 25 October 2019, as the lead single from the soundtrack to the biographical film Harriet, which also stars Erivo.

Background

In 2017, English singer and actress Cynthia Erivo was cast to portray abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman in the biographical film eponymously titled Harriet. Following the completion of filming, Erivo collaborated with composer Joshuah Brian Campbell to write the song for the end credits of the film.

Composition

"Stand Up" was written by Erivo and Joshuah Campbell and produced by Will Wells and Gabe Fox-Peck. The song was described by Rolling Stones Jon Blistein as a "slow-burning, gospel-tinged ballad." Rania Aniftos of Billboard noted that the song chronicles themes of "hope, overcoming obstacles and kindness for others." The song's lyrics also make use of Tubman's last words before her death in 1913: "I go to prepare a place for you."

Music video

The music video for "Stand Up" was released on 8 November 2019. It shows Erivo performing the song on an "empty but beautifully lit soundstage."

Accolades

Following its release, the song earned Golden Globe Award and Critics' Choice Movie Award nominations for Best Original Song and Best Song, respectively. It also garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

Charts

Release history