18 Comments
Jun 27Liked by India Arie

Your music heals those that are open to healing. Anyone looking to put down your music is broken beyond repair. I hear your music through the spiritual ear and I hear each point you are trying to make. I sure believe you are reaching the relevant spirits even the trolls (they are just mad that they are not brave enough to express it 😂)

My mental health survived because of your music and I thank you always🙏

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Jun 27Liked by India Arie

You wrote here in the voice that we have grown to love. The authentic you. I remember one interview when you spoke to people being shocked because you used profanity… any time we appear bigger than the box people put us in their reaction is shock. KEEP SHOCKING THEM. I grew with your music. You are only old enough to be my sister, but you released music in my early twenties. Your songs have long since been life anthems. Thank you for the clarity, but you owe us NOTHING! We are grateful that you share. - Andonnia

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As someone born in 1999, I have indeed heard these lyrics and winced in the past. But, as you eloquently said, I knew you. Your heart, your character, and your message would never have said something intentionally discriminatory. I grew up to your music and as a music minor in undergrad and now a fourth year medical student have needed you more than you know to survive this journey. Shit, I was even thinking about using “I am light” to write a commentary about burnout in the medical field. I rarely ever post or comment on any of my social media but I know there’s a lot of hate in this world (especially towards Black women) and wanted to make sure you know how important you and your music is to so many people. We never needed an apology, but knowing your character we aren’t surprised and appreciate your eloquent words whether on the page or in our ears.

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I think anyone who has an ounce of reasonable discernment knew what you were saying. As a gay man I certainly wasn't offended then and am certainly not now. The context you give at the start of the lyric is creation and the truth is that, biologically, life cannot exist without both male and female..collaboration. They are just the facts of life. Thank you for your love.

You are beloved on this Earth ❤️

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I’m a gay black man and I’ve always loved that song and never had an issue with the lyric. I literally call your music my Bible . It has always touched my soul. Those that know, KNOW!!

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Yes! This was + is the anthem of my life’s rhythm! The sounds, words, depth + soul searching that it took me on led to an abundance of core healing. Thank you, India, for sharing your gift with us, the hearers…the ones who will also + forever be better humans because we lived life alongside the soundtrack of your guidance!

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I know that this post is about Voyage to India but I have always loved the three segmented portions of song in into outro etc and the song Grains from the Testimony 2: Love &Politics Albion was my mantra daily for small gratitudes like breath when it felt like I was experiencing daily suppression, barriers and blocks. I wish that this energy could soak away the suffering of expectations and that there be just enough gratitude to get through each breath until the light at the end of the tunnel is reached. I think having that tunnel vision was an infusion from the above mentioned Album for headed in the right direction in spite of perceived set back. Dose these as truths. I believe they were given from Divine intellect thar have helped carry my soul to its current station and it’s been a long journey so I am extremely grateful

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🎶Stop and ask yourself would the Ancestors be pleased?’🎶 We know they are pleased with you, as is our Creator. Thank you for continuing to educate and enlighten (especially ignorant trolls). I’m grateful to have been able to thank you personally for how you’ve inspired me musically, for your representation of class and poise as a woman in the industry, and for always standing in your truth. I’ll never forget your kind gesture and how you saw me at a very dark time in my life. You are Light Sis💫Sending much love & positive thoughts your way! 💜✨

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At every life changing stage of healing, I always come back to your music when I’m coming back to myself. It’s like listening to someone who understands my soul and the words came from out of my own heart. To chart a path so different from most of humanity by sticking to your authenticity is the bravest act of life! You were definitely “born for this mission.” I was listening to your music probably in elementary school and as a whole your music has in fact aged very well❤️We appreciate your soul!

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Omg! So glad to see you here! You have been one of my favorite artists since “Video” i’ve been to three of your concerts. Your music has gotten me through some dark times and helped me to hold the flame inside of me until I became the woman that I am today. I’ll never forget “strength, courage, and wisdom.” That could be the anthem of my life.

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India ❤️ thank you for continuing to teach LOVE. Happy birthday to a revolutionary album.

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Ms. India Arie. Your shared art & heart are Divine offerings, as an artist but most importantly, from human to human. The deepest warmth to your heart. Thank you for all you have given and transmuted. SO EXCITED TO BE HERE ON YOUR SUBSTACK, YEAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! 🫂🌟🫀 Thank you for bringing clarity to your intentions in your art. Even if this went unspoken, the love for your art/poetry/storytelling prevails. The love for your art allows us to read beyond the lines and the times.

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Love this so much . You have been so influential to the soul of teenage me and my sister .we didn’t grow up listen to radio so listened to just a few cds - your album and stevie wonder and the cranberries -before even hearing anything by Micheal jackson.

Love you for this post . Please keep writing and keep posting❤️

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Voyage to India is still one of my favorite albums and I play it regularly ❤️ your lyrics speak to me and I feel blessed to have attended the Worthy tour. Your an amazing artist and human. God bless!

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Happy Birthday Voyage to India.

I appreciate your authentic style.

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