THE COLOUR OF MY PRIDE
COMPOSER NOTES
Allyship is the active, consistent practice of using your privilege and influence to support and advocate for marginalised groups. It involves listening, learning and taking action rather than simply speaking or performing solidarity. It’s built on empathy, respect and a commitment to long-term systemic change. My allyship for the trans community, both locally and globally, manifests through music. By getting my songs into the hands of singers and audiences, we bring about change and better outcomes for trans and queer people.
This statement song firmly places its singer alongside those they wish to support. It begins with a simple question and builds into a clear declaration. The middle section is in-the-round and offers unique creative avenues for your choir to explore. But at its core, this is a song of allyship and learning: “Tell me the colours, tell me the stripes and we’ll paint it.” It asks, “If I raised this flag, would you march with me?”
THE TEXT
In a world where our values seem broken,
There’s a hope that we’ll figure it out.
Until then, I have only to show you
the colour of my dreams, the colour of my dreams.
If I raised a flag would you march with me?
If I showed you the people you don’t see
If I stood in the crowd, would you see all
The colours of my heart, the colours of my heart?
Tell me the colours and tell me the stripes and we’ll paint it
Tell me the colours and tell me the stripes and we’ll claim it
Tell me the colours and tell me the stripes and it’s yours!
Do you know that your love’s like a magnet?
And it means that you’re never alone.
If you need to hide, I’ll be your blanket,
The colour of my home, the colour my home.
Your home!
If you need a flag, I’ll sew your fabric.
If you go to march, I’ll be your ride
In the colours of pride there’s a magic
The colour of my pride
The colour of my pride.
In a world that seems dark and confusing,
Be a beacon of light, be the fire.
Make them see that it’s love that you’re choosing.
Together we will rise.
Together we will rise.
And we know how we fight for this progress.
One step forward and seven steps back.
But I know in my heart you’re the reason,
You’re the light that gets in through the crack.
The colour of my pride.
Can you see the colour of my pride?
Jamsheed Master, 2025