Will.i.am’s Empowering New Anthem “Yes She Can” Endorses Kamala Harris and Celebrates Women’s Strength
In the final days leading up to a critical election, Grammy-winning artist Will.i.am has released a new song and music video titled “Yes She Can,” which serves as an endorsement of Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for vice president. The song, released just two days before Election Day, builds on Will.i.am’s history of music as activism, following his 2008 anthem, “Yes We Can,” which rallied support for Barack Obama. This latest track combines messages of unity, resilience, and the importance of civic participation, all wrapped in an empowering celebration of women.
“Yes She Can”: A New Anthem for Unity and Change
In “Yes She Can,” Will.i.am draws from his own powerful style of blending hip-hop with socially conscious messages. The lyrics highlight the importance of voting and social engagement, while celebrating women’s roles and the potential of having a woman in one of the highest offices in the country. The music video juxtaposes scenes of activism, historical imagery, and strong female figures to reinforce the message of hope, progress, and the strength of women across all walks of life.
Key Messages in the Song’s Lyrics
The song’s lyrics underscore the challenges and divisions facing America today, calling for unity and urging listeners to act through voting. Will.i.am sings, “We could break down the barriers so register and vote for your life. Do it for your daughters and your sons and your wife.” The lyrics touch on the challenges of division in the nation and the need for solidarity, particularly in the face of increasing polarization.
The video includes powerful images, including clips from the January 6th Capitol riot and footage of protests advocating for reproductive rights. By pairing these visuals with lyrics like, “If you a woman then vote for your rights, and don’t let them take away your right,” Will.i.am directly appeals to voters to take action for the sake of preserving and protecting freedoms.
Will.i.am’s Vision of Female Empowerment in “Yes She Can”
Beyond its endorsement of Kamala Harris, “Yes She Can” functions as a broader tribute to women and their contributions across various fields. The video portrays diverse women—mothers, scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs—highlighting their impact and resilience. Will.i.am celebrates women as nurturers and leaders, acknowledging their roles not just in politics, but in families, communities, and industries worldwide.
Lyrics Celebrating Women’s Strength and Unity
In an Instagram post accompanying the song’s release, Will.i.am wrote that “Yes She Can” was meant to honor the resilience of women, including mothers, daughters, and those working in various fields, from healthcare to technology. He sees the song as a tribute to “fearless warriors, queens, princesses, presidents, CEOs, doctors, nurses, coders, scientists, astronauts, researchers, preachers, caregivers, lawmakers, nurturers, teachers, professors, entrepreneurs, bosses, and the doorway to life that women are.” This comprehensive acknowledgment reflects his desire to inspire women to see their potential as powerful contributors to society.
Tying Back to “Yes We Can”: A Sequel with a Feminist Perspective
Will.i.am’s “Yes She Can” bears clear similarities to his 2008 anthem, “Yes We Can,” which became an anthem of support for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. That song resonated deeply with audiences, offering a hopeful message of change and progress. In “Yes She Can,” Will.i.am builds on that legacy, applying the same themes of unity and progress to today’s political landscape and endorsing a vision of leadership that includes women in positions of influence.
The Visual Impact of the “Yes She Can” Music Video
The music video for “Yes She Can” is filled with powerful imagery that reinforces the song’s themes. Scenes of diverse women, families, and historical events connect the song’s message to the broader context of America’s ongoing struggles and aspirations. The video includes scenes of voters casting their ballots, the Statue of Liberty, and a young girl waving the American flag. These images evoke a sense of patriotism while emphasizing the stakes of this election.
Key Imagery: Protest and Resilience
Footage from protests, including those advocating for women’s rights and against oppressive laws, serves as a poignant reminder of the progress still needed. One particularly powerful image shows people protesting outside the Capitol with signs reading, “Bans off our bodies,” a nod to the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in America. By interweaving these moments into the video, Will.i.am emphasizes the importance of women’s rights and the power of collective action.
The Call to Action: Voting as a Duty
The song and video both serve as a call to action, urging viewers to participate in the democratic process. In his Instagram post, Will.i.am wrote that he wanted to create “a call to action, and a promise of what we can achieve together.” The song encourages viewers to “vote for your life,” positioning the act of voting not only as a right but as an essential duty to safeguard the future.
