Context

This line was written by Maya Angelou in the poem "Still I Rise" (1978).

"Still I Rise" is one of Maya Angelou's most famous poems (and probably one of our favorites). These lines come at the end and they're all about being uplifted and joyful in spite of everything that's weighing you down.

Sure, life might be tough. Heck, the past might be tough to take (when you're the descendent of slaves, it is), but Angelou is determined to rise above it. She will float above all the bitterness and sadness and sorrow. She will not allow it to bring her down, even if the whole world thinks it should. She's surprising us all by floating up in the sky and allowing herself to be lifted right out of the poem. She's rising and there's nothing anyone or anything can do to stop her.

Where you've heard it

Anywhere people are rising in the face of adversity, you'll hear this poem being quoted. It's a good one.

Additional Notable References: 

• The poem was featured in a commercial for the University of Phoenix.
• Hear text to be linked
• Serena Williams read the poem too, because she's the best.
• And so did Nicki Minaj.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Okay, at first we were tempted to say this was pretty pretentious, but then we imagined everyone at the party grabbing for their tissues as you floated through the ceiling rising above all the haters as you made your glorious exit. So, we think you're cool. Just keep rising.