My Song

^{(1972 - from the CD "Crying Laughing Loving Lying"
Sampled by Kanye West for the song "I Wonder"
on his 2007 album "Graduation")}

This is my song
and no one can take it away
It's been so long, but now you're here,
here to stay
And I wonder if you know what it means
to find your dreams come true

This is my song
and no one can make it a lie
It's been so long since someone
could make me cry
And I wonder if you know what it means
to laugh as tears go by

I may not always sing in tune
and sometimes you don't hear me
but you don't have to be near me
to know that I'm singing

This is my song
and nothing can make it die
It's been so long and it's stronger
I know why
And I wonder if you really, really know
That as long as I live I will sing my song for you

Comments

[Shuwn McDearmon]

This is why i used to love hip hop . This is why kayne is still the best even if no one understands he is. Just an hour ago i did not know who you were ,Now after listening to just a sample of "My song" I will never forget you. I looked up your name and read your poetry How wonderful! because when i hear" and i wonder/ if you know /how it feels/ to find your dreams" Its one of the most beautiful progessions i have ever heard i can't wait to go to a record store and pick it up. See this is what hip hop is for , when i was younger Chuck D made me want to read more i was already a veracious reader but he made me want to learn about slavery in the true form, kayne made we want to read other things as well now i cant wait to read the rest of your poetry , how beautifully human, how humanly beautiful. Everytime i hear that sample i cry. Thank you !

[Shanda]

The poetry takes my breath away...I was at my computer crying when I heard many of the songs. Truly amazing and beautiful. You are so amazing and I am so shocked that this is my first time coming across your material. I was born in 1980 and my father always had the latest music as it became available. I wish I would have had your music as I was growing up. You truly move my spirit. I am a instant fan because I "LOVE" good music and I will support good music when I hear it. Im going to the music store immediately for your material

[Vick]

i didnt really know who u were until I looked @ the credits of Kanye West song "I wonder" I wanted to know who this person was because I thought it was a very good sample. I knew the song had to be an older song beacause hip hop can sometimes repeat itself. I found out who you were, since I was born in '83 I didn't know of u but the song "my song" and "I wonder" hits me everytime I hear it It gives me inspiration and makes me feel better about myself thanks to u Labi for creating a beautiful song and allowing Kanye to sample this song. U may never know how u really have touched ones today wit that song. All of my friends tell me oh dat song "I wonder" is great" but I say that song wit Labi Siffre is my favorite. -Thank you Labi

[Rico V.]

I was listenin to my kanye c d and i heard this sample and i mean it just sounded so beautiful...i close my eyes everytime i hear "and I wonder" and just imagine a dream....your voice has helped me for the past two months to get thru my days....i was born in 1990 and i know hardly anything about the 70's but i know your song, and i just want to thank you for helping me get thru my rough times, i will hang these lyrics on my wall and use them as motivation...i alsp plannig out a tattoo with the words "I Wonder" over the top of the art of the tattoo and at the bottom it will say "Dreams Come True"....i really am glad that kanye west is the musical genius that he is and used your voice...no matter black white gay straight gay american european....your music is great.....im sure im not the only young person who feels this way so i speak for all of us....thank you

[Mike]

Like other posters, I was not aware of you until I heard Kanye's sample of "My Song". While many rappers use a sample to enhance their lyrics/beats etc, your voice cannot be upstaged.

What you say in "My Song" is simple but summarizes complex feelings. "My Song" needs no gimmicks or fancy production but it hits the heart dead on with it's accurate description of the human condition-to realize dreams.

Thank you very much for making the music you made. You truly have given a special gift to the world.

All the best to you.

[E]

Wow......Speaking as someone who writes... you always know something is good if u wish u were the one to write it lol....but all jokes aside.....this has to be one of the most timeless songs ever...to forever wonder if that person truly know what it means....simply AMAZING!!! Thak you mr. west for introducing me to this song and thank you Mr. Labi for being the amazing singer/songwriter/poet that you are

[Daniel Murray (Shephurd)]

Labi, You are amazing.. honestly.. As alot of others who have posted on here, i regrettably havnt heard of you until listening to "I Wonder" from Kanye, The first time i heard the song was today and the 1st thing i noticed was he had such an amazing sample.. i kept listening to it at work, came come then researched on it and found an amazing poet behind the sample.. You're music is truly inspirational. And as A small-time Producer myself, I can only pray that i could sample another of your songs, would be an honor. But nothing will ever compare to the originals, they truly are masterpieces... I hope you read this and understand how beautiful your music is. And one day I would love to mix another one of your songs. -Daniel Murray (Shephurd)

[Abel]

Oh my godness.The beauty in that music...From the lyrics to the arrangement.Pure genius.I play the piano and am a D.J.I love music and honestly, I have been listening to only this song for the past three days.Your a pioneer of your time and a genius.I'm actually in the process of searching for your 12" inches.I love your music.I felt that it was only right to stop by and let you know how much I enjoy your song.Thankyou for contributing it to the world.

[Fresh]

When i was listening to Kanyes album..and heard the intro to "I wonder", i told me brother to replay the intro at least 20 times...i could care less about that rest, im really not a kanye fan...as a producer yes..rapper no. I really couldnt believe it, i couldnt stop singing it at work, and still do. But after I heard the full song of yours...what REALLY got me.."And I wonder, if you know, what it means, to laugh as tears go by...."

[Jerome]

This song (YOUR Song) is way before my generation, and that is what's great. Most of the time in hip-hop a sample is just back round, but I forgot about kanye and kept saying to myself "Who in the hell is this guy singing, he's amazing!" . After this I read about you and it leaves me sad to find you so angry with certain topics you post and in your poetry. Later I find what your love wants and that is your partner. 40 years, damn what is your secret!? I wish you and Peter well.

P.S. Labi, you probably don't want to hear this, but I think there is something out there watching over you and he will bring you peace if you let him. Please don't be under the impression that i'm religious, but I do feel the presence of my creator. Keep positive my brother

[jamarcus]

I have to say I cried as well after hearing "my song" a few times. I have no idea why but it just seem like a song you could dedicate to someone you truely care about.

[Matt Falvey]

Hi Labi, I am trying to find the piano score or failing that the chords for "My Song". I have searched all over the net & can't find it anywhere. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Matt
Perth W. Australia

[Timothy]

Everyone loves your song and so do I. It is brilliant and your voice is cool.

Please reply

Timo

[LS]

Hi Timo,

I'm glad you like the song and the voice. Thanks for the message.

bw

L

[Inés]

Hi Labi, I'm embarrased to admit that I didn't know about your music until today, when I was reading a tribute to Michael Jackson that a very young girl posted on the web, and at first I found myself mesmerized by "My song" and then I started crying by this sweet melody. Thank you for expressing your soul in such a gentle way, from now on I'm your fan!

[Conrad Lewis]

As many folks, I only became acquainted with you after listening to West's song, "I Wonder." His song would not have been possible without Your song. You are the foundation. You are the inspiration. Great Job!! I watched your orignal medley video (Love, Love, Love..It Must Be Love)time after time after time.

[Rio Ellington]

Wow, wow, wow.
This wrenches so much emotion from the deepest parts of my soul.
Kanye has not a damn thing on you.
Not a single song of his could make me feel even half of what I feel.