With only a week before the premiere of the new film HARRIET starring Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr., the brand new original song written for the movie, “Stand Up,” has finally been released.
Written by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Erivo for the film, the song plays over the end credits to the film, perfectly punctuating Harriet Tubman’s powerful story.
The Grammy and Tony-award winning actress explained that the song was not something she thought about during filming, but came about afterward when she connected with Campbell.
“We both sort of came together to create something that fit me and fit him,” Erivo said in an interview. “We wrote the lyrics. We wrote some of the melody. And just made it what we felt was right and what was needed for our film. And luckily Kasi liked it.”
Director Kasi Lemmons was indeed blown away by the song, stating, “It kind of exceeded my wildest dream.”
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes and giants of the Christian faith. Her courage, ingenuity, tenacity and strong faith freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
You can watch the moving lyric video above, which features clips from the film as well as Cynthia’s recording session. It is also available for streaming on all digital platforms. The release of the full soundtrack and the premiere of the film are both scheduled for November 1.