A powerful song with a message from Eric Donaldson, a singer who represents the golden age of Jamaican reggae.
The Keystones' chorus adds depth to the song, creating a simple yet powerful sound reminiscent of late '70s roots reggae. The warm groove is striking, reflecting the era before the dancehall boom.
As the title suggests, the song centers around a call to "stand up," singing about not losing pride and hope even in the midst of social difficulties. The light and warm one-drop rhythm is combined with Donaldson's characteristically expansive and familiar vocals, perfectly balancing the message with pop appeal.
