Mavis Staples started her career with her family group, The Staples. Led by the father, Roebuck Staples, the group became a popular gospel group. By the mid-1960’s, they were inspired to be the voices of the civil rights movement as the Roebuck Staples had a close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr.

This song must have related and motivated protesters in the civil rights movement. Many protesters were beaten, jailed and made fun of. However, the message of this song is to stay strong and focus on their goal which is to obtain their rights and freedom