Drapo-m nan (My flag)
My dear flag, my blood’s color that had been shed for liberty
my black skin they could not stand as if my soul was cursed and damned.
My dear flag, was not easy, even though it exists today
our forefathers that had stood strong to face the army of the world.
My dear flag is the symbol of that great change in history
it may be strange or seems simple, but, extremely complicated.
My dear flag, a reminder for America and the world
that Haitians did not agree with slavery on this planet.
My flag is a story that had never existed before
our ancestors that sacrificed for we can enjoy liberty.
Not a fable, not a novel and it was not a fairy tale
it was the first time that happened, it was the world that was changing.
It’s true my flag is like my hair
you can paint it over, but, it remains the same
The blue and red, my only pride
do whatever you want, it will stick under my skin.
The flag will not understand that somehow, we are divided
we say unity is our strength, despite all, we’re separated.
So many tribes had unified to liberate our race
but yet, ourselves, the descendants, we’ve established many classes.
The said flag would have to change if we want to dwell in this mess
it makes no sense, not anymore, so much so that all is apart.
My dear flag, it’s about that time that you regain your importance
the way it was from long ago, for our brothers from Africa.
My dear flag is like a sun that they once thought would never shine
it reminds us that today’s world started with “The vertières battle.â€
My dear flag, please don’t worry, even if sometimes you feel jaded
it’s sure one day, they will stand up, to honor you like you deserve.
It’s true my flag is like my hair
you can paint it over, but, it remains the same
The blue and red, my only pride
do whatever you want, it will stick under my skin.
A day will surely come that they’ll stop stepping on your heart
you’ll find the respect you deserve, you are a true symbol of liberty.
It’s true my flag is like my hair
you can paint it over, but, it remains the same
The blue and red, my only pride
do whatever you want, it will stick under my skin.
It’s stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin
it is stuck under my skin.
It’s under my skin.
My flag is my pride.
I’m proud to be Haitian
My “Haitianity†is under my skin.â€
Lyrics: Ali Louissaint and Jean Bélony MURAT/BélO
Additional lyrics: Mikaben
Music: Ali Louissant
Originally written in Creole
Released: May 17, 2017
Translation into English by: Jean Winer PASCAL
April 20, 2017
