#NtseegKuv10Years: Magic
I didn't connect with "Cia Rau Txoj Hmoo" the first time I read the lyrics.
Written by Nancy Xiong, I remember reading them, unfortunately, not resonating with them, and then setting them aside in 2008.
The next time I'd see the lyrics again would be on January 20th, 2009 — when our nation inaugurated our first Black president, Barack Obama.
I was working on new music and the lyrics laid in front of me as I watched in awe of America's historical moment. The happiest, proudest faces of all colors flashed across the TV. 1,000 miles away, and I could still feel the indescribable energy from the US Capitol.
As the emotions of the nation poured over me through the screen, I reread the lyrics. At that moment, I felt something shift inside. A truth. A sadness. A sense of hope. A love so strong. Without explanation, I just knew I had to create something with these lyrics.
Sometimes, the oddest things come together and work, and no one can explain why. They just do. This was one of those times. Why did the inauguration of the 44th US president move me to connect with these lyrics?
I have no answer for you, but I know not able to explain how things happen is also known as magic. 😉
Thank you for all the love you've shown "Cia Rau Txoj Hmoo" in the last 10 years. I hope you enjoyed the lyric video!
P.S. Though not included in the final album artwork, the unedited image above here made me laugh. I was literally bending over backward for this shoot, and can still remember how resourceful my team and I were. 😂 Having memories like these made it all worth it.
