Stand Tall
44Chris Laidlaw describes Stand Tall as,
“aspirational…a song like the ones we used to know from a time we thought might have gone…maybe it hasn’t”.
Olympic Montage, St Lukes Choir & Sam RB Recorded Live in London:
After an amazing month travelling around Europe busking and gigging I had an opportunity to perform ‘Stand Tall’ with the St Lukes Choir in London. The Choir managed to learn ‘Stand Tall’ on the night of this performance and it was an incredibly moving experience that I will remember forever.
Much thanks to: Paul Hobbs, Ross Wilson & Doug Thomson (from TV One) for your time and effort shooting, editing and putting this wonderful memory onto film, so very appreciated; Dave & Pat Tomlinson for sharing your home, hearts and choir with us; Everyone in the choir, it was just fantastic to meet you all, thank you for your contribution; Claire Cowan and Play It Strange Trust for scoring ‘Stand Tall’; Cath who was an exceptional ‘giant page’ turner; the very talented Choir Master, Justin Butcher, who pulled it all together and made it happen; and last but not least the NZOC and all those Stand Tall ‘Daily Voters’ that got me there in the first place! Thank you one and all xxx
I wrote Stand Tall after seeing the Olympic Songwriting Competition posted on the Play It Strange facebook page. I initially saw it as simply an opportunity to write a song, and had no real expectation that it would become anything more than that. However, stepping into the studio (with the likes of Eddie Rayner, Michael Barker, Brett Adams and Sam Allen) and the overwhelming public support this song received throughout the voting process, made me a believer. Stand Tall is a song about a journey, something that we all can relate to. Its about facing challenges, finding that place where we stand tall inside and believe in ourselves.
Thank you to Play It Strange Trust and the NZ Olympic Committee for the opportunity; everyone that voted for Stand Tall and made this experience possible; and all the wonderful and kind people that have stuck by me over the years and were instrumental in me finding that place of self belief.
Please support Stand Tall by watching and sharing the official music video – produced by Mike Riddell (The Insatiable Moon), featuring the fantastic kids from Fairburn School (South Auckland) and made possible with donations (via Pledge Me and from the NZ Olympic Committee) and people giving their time and skills.
TV One News Story by Paul Hobbs, July 25 2012 – Sam RB in London:
Stand Tall in NZ Sign Language:
ANZ NZ Olympic Team Welcome Home:
Other recent media:
Stand Tall on TV One Good Morning Show, April 30 2012 - watch
Stand Tall on TV One News, April 18 2012 - watch
Sheet Music:
Much thanks to Claire Cowan for scoring it, and Play It Strange for making it available – click here
Lyrics:
Stand Tall by Sam RB
Through sweat blood and tears
You followed your dreams
To where you now stand
On top of the world
—
You make us all proud
Your journey so far
Taken you to the mountains
And you climbed every one
—-
You stand tall
You stand strong
You stand above
You stand beyond
You carry our dreams
Carry our hopes
A nation proud
We wish you well
(final chorus – We stand tall)
—
When times get tough
As they’re sure to do
Remember where you come from
Listen, you’ll hear us cheering for you
About Stand Tall:
Sam RB wrote Stand Tall for the Play It Strange Olympic Songwriting Competition, a nation wide competition to find NZ’s Olympic Anthem for the 2012 London Olympic
“Stand Tall was shortlisted from more than forty entries, recorded professionally at Roundhead Studios and produced by Eddie Rayner just before Christmas,” Sam RB says. “It was an honour to have my song Stand Tall selected as one of the ten finalists. Working with such great NZ musicians, including Eddie Rayner, Jim Hall, Michael Barker, Brett Adams and Sam Allen was a real privilege.
When it came to writing Stand Tall, Sam says she imagined what work and sacrifice it would take to be an elite athlete in the NZ Olympic team. “I wanted to provoke certain emotions in the listener, so I also tapped into the challenges that I have faced over the years and the sense of pride, self-respect and mastery that came from overcoming barriers and achieving in spite of them,” she says.
Sam RB is a fulltime musician currently working on her next album (released in 2013) and she is funding it by busking on Queen St and in Auckland’s markets.
Credits:
Written and Composed by Sam RB. Produced & mixed by Eddie Rayner. Recorded at Roundhead Studio. Engineer: Ben Knapp.
Band: Brett Adams (electric guitar), Michael Barker (drums), Sam RB (vocals), Sam Allen (vocals, acoustic guitar), Eddie Rayner (piano, keyboards), Jim Hall (bass).
Chorus: Debbie Harwood, Paul Jeffery, Brett Adams, Michael Barker, Sam RB, Sam Allen, Jim Hall, Rachel Schryvers, Eddie Rayner, Marlon Morris & Rikki Morris.
Thank you to Eddie Rayner, Roundhead Studio, all the wonderful musicians, Play It Strange and the NZ Olympic Committee.
I heard you today Sam and needed to buy your album which is so soothing to my soul.
We chatted and your sweet voice followed me all around the market – I did not want to lose it so I carried it home in my mind till I got to the stereo and played the album through.
Your words ring so true to me. I write poetry and your words touch me deeply. Thank you.
Yvonne
Kia ora Yvonne d=] Yes I remember you! Thank you for stopping and chatting, it was lovely to meet you. All the best with ‘Here at the Edge’, it sounds like a beautiful piece of work and I look forward to reading it one day d=] and thank you for your kind words, as an artist/writer yourself you’ll know how wonderful it is to connect to people through our music, writing, art etc. Cheers, samRB d=]
Hi Sam
I am Kolis, a female teacher from Papua New Guinea. On
my first day (17/09/11)in New Zealand to Orewa town and I came across you singing infront of the Community Hall. I couldn’t stop hearing your voice in my heard . After a walk around the town, I heard one of your song titled Life has just began from the radio and straight away told my 2 friends to listen to the song and we all just loved listening to your voice. From there I rushed off with my friends to where you were singing and we all bought your CD. Your voice is beautiful with the inspirational messages from your songs.
Cheers and Warm Regards
Kolis
Kia ora Kolis
Thank you for your comment. I remember you guys and wondered if you enjoyed the album…pleased to hear you do! d=] Life Has Just Begun is the song that features in The Insatiable Moon (NZ film), if you havent seen it yet and are still in NZ you should check it out, you can get it out on DVD, is a wonderful film. Im back at Orewa November 19, if you guys are around come say hi d=] If you are on facebook and if would like to stay in the loop re my music join my FB page https://facebook.com/samRBnz
thanks again for staying in touch d=] x samRB
hi sam
i really respect you as an artist and as a person…
if things goes right we might do a album together
frank john
thank you John d=] was great to meet you…will probably see you around another time eh, have a good weekend! cheers samRB
I have just heard you today on National radio and what an inspiration. We have a son who suffers from depression and it is so nice to hear your story. Go for it and well done will be looking for your album
Hi Joan, thank you, im really pleased you enjoyed the interview and that it held some meaning for you. my album is available on itunes or directly from me if you want the CD/album, details here – http://samrb.com/debut-album
…and this is my facebook page if anyones interested – https://www.facebook.com/samRBnz
thanks again
samRB d=]
Hi Sam November 06-2011
I hope you remember me, Norman, (about Two weeks ago) you sung L Cohen song Friday night in Queen Str. and I had to see who was singing like an angel.
We chatted a bit about Hype and opportunities for you,and I bought your CD which is nearly worn down, me thinks.
We have a lot in common I think and I also have and still sometimes like writing Poetry.
Please keep singing and don’t change how you do it and about the topics, its so refreshing to hear about challenges and regrets and personal victories experienced in human lives.
Hope to meet again .somewhere soon.
Go girl, all the way to the top.
In my heart
Norman B
Hi Norman, yes of course i remember you! d=] i enjoyed chatting but must confess i havent contacted the people we talked about yet, has been a busy couple weeks, but i have it on my list of things to do this week! Will let you know how it goes. Really stoked you are enjoying my album, and thank you for your kind words, made my day d=] im finding that i couldnt stop singing/writing even if i wanted to – although that doesnt make complete sense i think youll know what i mean. maybe see you again on Queen St again, hopefully get to show you a song im working on for my next album…much thanks, samRB d=]
Hey Sam,
It was great to meet you and listen to your Beautiful singing at the Coatsville markets yesterday.
Will you be there again before Christmas?
I want to buy your C.D ,I had run out of cash
Kindest Regards,
Brett (sat with you ,wearing black jacket ,and little dog on lead)
Hi Brett, yes i remember you! with the poodle with the floppy ears d=] thank you im happy to hear you enjoyed my music, thank you for the tip! yes im hoping to be there on Dec 4th and 11th. but still to confirm both the dates and the time ill play. If you are on facebook you can stay in the loop by ‘liking’ my page https://www.facebook.com/samRBnz, i post where im playing etc, if your not on facebook you can check my gig page on this website, which reminds me i need to update it! or you can just flick me an email samrb@vodafone.so.nz closer to the time. if you dont end up getting along i can always pop one in the post. thanks Brett, see you some time d=] cheers samRB
Am trying to find the cd for Seem/might be human where can I obtain this work of soulful art?
Kia Ora, I’ve just replied by email as well. I live I’m NZ so iTunes is probably the easiest and most cost effective way of getting my music. Thank you for your comment, maybe hear back from you soon d=] thanks, Sam RB
with that voice she should win
Hello Sam RB My mum says thanks 4 liking her flowers she made u on Friday i hope u come back 2 team 32. J.T
To Anonymous: Yes, her voice is stunning. There is so much more, though…a real honesty and depth of feeling to her music. It’s brave, evocative and wonderful. If you don’t have Sam RB’s CD, “Seems I Might Be Human” I encourage you to pick it up. Songs from the CD can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/samrb and there’s a free “Stand Tall” download there, as well.
thank you friend ;-] all songs on itunes too http://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/seems-i-might-be-human/id394010802
x
dear samrb congratulation,
for your win this year in your stand tall song :O
from: room 32 but mostly from the girl
who gave you the present toakase
Congratulations on winning!!!
Congratulations Sam, just saw the news tonight that ‘Stand Tall’ has won the Olympic anthem competition. We hadn’t heard your music till we walked through Matakana markets on Easter Saturday and were literally stopped in our tracks by the sound of your voice. We sat and listened to the rest of your set and promptly bought your CD which we then played on the car stereo all the way home. You have a wonderful talent and we wish YOU well. p.s. love the Sign Language version on You Tube – the signing really reinforces the emotion and power of the lyrics..
Thank you Matt! d=]
Thank you J and K! Thank you for your kind words, I’m so pleased our paths crossed at Matakana, and hope they do again one day. And I’m stoked you are enjoying my debut album d=] I agree, I think the beauty of the NZSL makes Stand Tall really beautiful, Christie and Sarah Mason, who are in the video and translated it into NZSL did an amazing job, as did Priscilla Northe who directed and shot it. Thank you for posting and do come say hi if you are ever on Queen St when I’m out playing xx
Hey Sam, Masina here. Just wanted to say that I think that the song ‘Stand Tall’ is awesome, and good on you for winning!! Well done… Glad to see that you are doing so well. Take care
Hey Masina! Hope you are all good. Thank you x d=]
Sam RB your song is good for the Olympic Games this year.
Good job Sam.
Thank you d=]
hi sam RB good luck for your true wishs that came true and congragalation for your compatition. we wish you well from olly & TJ
congratulations samrb that you win in the olympic games this year.
great song samrb and thank you for your stand tall song.
From A.M.
Congratalutions SamRB you fanily won! OLYIMPIC LONDON 2012 we wish you well and we hope you do great your dreams came truethis team 32 we will meet you there at FAIRBURN SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sam rb you won the 2012 london olympic.I hope you were enjoing it at fairburn school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope I see you again
soo good my heart so proud
have fun sam rb and look after yourslef
Hi Sam, i am liwei, your voice is unique and calming, i am wondering if i can have the words that goes with your debut album?
Hi Liwei, i have put lyrics to song on my debut album up, just go to the music tab, scroll down the page and youll find them
See you on Queen Street another time d=]
thanks
Sam RB
among all the songs from the album, ’08 To Whom It May Concern’ to me is the most touching one. liwei
Thank you Liwei, i started singing that song more out busking again recently and have been enjoying it. Dont forget to download the 2 songs from my website that arent on my album too d=] x
Certainly, looking forward to your next album. :]
Hi Sam. How can I get a copy of the mp3? I am a classroom teacher and we are making Olympic music videos to your lovely song. Thanks, Rasjad Addison. Mt Pleasant School.
Whoops! I see it. Thanks, Rasjad
hi sam, you sing like an angel, if you remember singing stand tall at Marshall Laing Primary School. the choir and Me (miss Casse) would just love to say hi…. VISIT AGAIN SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you! I had lovely time and the choir did awesome! Let me know if you want an extra along for the assembly performance d=]
Ps you have an amazing voice Jonna, I forgot to say you blew me away when you sang a couple lines from Stand Tall while we were teaching the choir, keep singing! x
Your song stand tall is really cool is there a chance you could give Me the chords so I can play along with it
Thanks and absolutely! Flick me an email samrb@vodafone.co.nz and ill send it to you, it’s with a capo tho, hopefully you have one
Cheers
Sam RB