Humble

The Bird Sings Oral Tradition Song Library

Humble

This wonderful song by Chhaya I-chèle of Eugene, Oregon is a favorite of many. I created this arrangement with four tight-knit, crossing vocal parts that layer on with each verse. I received her personal permission to record this song on my solo album Nightsong, and to include it here in this library. The song was inspired by a psalm. Many versions and variations of this song exist. She requests the original two verses be sung first, then she welcomes other variations such as the added verses for water, sun, moon & forest used here.

Composer & Copyright

This song was written by I-Chele Greentree, of Eugene, Oregon. This song is used with her permission. Arrangement copyright Lisa G. Littlebird.

Recording

This recording is by Lisa G. Littlebird and will be updated soon to adhere to I-Chele’s request that her first two original verses of the song be sung prior to other verse variations. (See lyrics below.)

Inspiration Track

See I-Chele herself singing the song here.

Lyrics

*Humble yourself in the sight of your brother
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself in the sight of your sister
Ask ’em what they know

Chorus:

And we will lift each other up
Higher and higher
We will lift each other up

*Humble yourself in the sight of the children
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself in the sight of the children
You gotta know what they know

Humble yourself to the sound of the water
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the sound of the water
You gotta know what it knows

Humble yourself to force of the sun
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the force of the sun
You gotta see what he shows

Humble yourself to the light of the moon
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the light of the moon
You gotta shine in her glow

Humble yourself to the spirit of the forest
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the spirit of the forest
Don’t be afraid to let go

*Humble yourself to the spirit of the love
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the spirit of the love
Don’t be afraid to let go

* Original verses from Chhaya I-chèle

5 Comments
  • Harmony Haynie

    The original song was written by I-Chele, out if Eugene, OR, and the words are:
    Humble yourself in the sight of the mother (father, children, elders, Spirit)
    You gotta bend down low, Humble yourself in the sight of the mother (etc)
    You gotta know what she (he) knows (or ask them what they know)
    And we shall lift each other up
    Higher and higher
    We shall lift each other up.

  • Denise Steward

    Such a beautiful song and harmonies. Thankyou for this and also for this wonderful resource.

  • Steven Harper

    Yes, good medicine!

  • Michael Lojkovic

    We human beings are so blessed to inhabit this planet. Singing this song reminds me of our duty to protect and care for mother earth.

  • Karla Goettel

    I LOVE the colors in this song! It’s so good to hear it again. This made my day! XXOO

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