To sing with your whole body
Author: Sylvia Borissova
Meet the radiant Anne Magalhães, who sings in sign language the eternal jazz classic of Nina Simone from 1965, Feeling Good!
And did you know that sign languages are different in different countries? Nevertheless, Anne’s performance is astonishing because it reveals to us the ease and grace of using signs instead of words of expression: in the song of the deaf and dumb, the whole body dances. Anne is a visual artist, performer and teacher and is committed to translating music for the deaf and dumb on her Instagram account.
Nina Simone (1933—2003) is an American singer and pianist, and most of the song lyrics she sings are hers. She herself didn’t like to call her music jazz, so we pay attention to the strong elements of blues, soul and rhythm and blues in her performances. An anti-racism activist in her 30s, Nina eventually sought a life enjoying full rights in France, where she remained until her death.
Birds flying high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life for me, yeah
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life for me, ooh
And I’m feeling good
Fish in the sea, you know how I feel
River running free, you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life for me
And I’m feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know?
Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean
And this old world, is a new world
And a bold world for me, yeah-yeah
Stars when you shine, you know how I feel
Scent of the pine, you know how I feel
Oh, freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life for me
I’m feeling good
Sources:
- Anne Magalhães. Instagran profile (public): https://www.instagram.com/aannemagalhaes/
- Nina Simone. Official website: https://www.ninasimone.com/