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about

exceptional has evolved and grown solid since the song emerged from a rebel's dream. in that state, the lyrics and melody were sung by an old Black woman, standing unnoticed in a corner. a rebel woke up singing and wrote much of the rest of the song immediately after.

despite the many renditions, including this version with a country swag, exceptional captures the voice of a human, weathered and shaped over time and coming out with a strong sense of their unique, unparalleled being. we release it intentionally at the close of Black History Month, on the cusp of Woman's History Month and on a day that comes around only every four years. we hope it blesses and empowers everyone who hears it, deep within their Spirit.
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lyrics

i been schooled in the way of fire
been baptized in the waves of song
i been schooled in the way of fire
been baptized in the waves of song
and i know my name is forever
i was birthed from the farthest star
i shall walk through the gates of power
i was breathed from the mountaintop

so call me impossible
impractical
call me illogical
call me insane
call me immeasurable
and beautiful
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
oh, that is my name

i been schooled in the ways of fire
i've walked long on the road of pain
i been schooled in the ways of fire
lost my way and got home again
and i know i won't griever forever, no
though i've cried from the deepest sea
i still love with a heart of thunder
i was made for the victory

so call me impossible
impractical
call me illogical
call me insane
call me immeasurable
and powerful
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
oh, that is my name

call me wonderful
and magical
call me beautiful
call me insane
call me immeasurable
and powerful
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
call me exceptional
'cause that is my name
oh, that is my name

call me exceptional

credits

released February 29, 2024
rebel noire: vocals
Colby Becton: drums
Devin Brewer: keys
Jason Brewer: bass
Devin Vargo: guitar, slide guitar

recording and engineering: Devin Vargo
mixing and mastering: Devin Vargo

cover art: Janice Purnell (used with permission)

license

all rights reserved

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rebel noire and the accomplices image

rebel noire and the accomplices Elkhart, Indiana

rebel noire and the accomplices make a distinct afroetic, genre-crossing sound, with lyrics exploring loss, liberation, resistance and power.

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