April 27th 2022 - On Denim Day, millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, to support survivors and educate each other about all forms of sexual violence. Forging a key collaboration between Asia and Europe, Hiphop artist Masia One and prolific singer-songwriter Tóke come together to release Not All That Glitters (Acoustic Version) to speak out against sexual abuse on this significant occasion.
This song commemorates April’s sexual assault awareness month, and opens with these reflective lyrics, “This issue is systematic, for my sisters hard to cope, yeah hard to manage, all so harsh and tragic. This won’t just go like magic, let’s expose these wicked habits.” The vocals the German- Indonesian singer Tóke perfectly compliment the clean plucks of an acoustic guitar and simple melody to emphasize the power of the message: These crimes are too often prevalent and silenced in our society.
His voice is haunting, while his lyrics are provocative before reaching a climax at the chorus, “Not All That Glitters is Gold, Not All that Shines is the Light. I will not do as I’m told, if what I’m told isn’t right”. The chorus is borrowed from Masia One’s 2021 release Not All That Glitters is Gold On this version, the Hiphop artist Masia One provides a powerful rap verse speaking directly to everyone impacted by sexual abuse. The opening lines, “Trigger warning, this is a trigger warning” recognizes at once that the topic is a sensitive issue. In the Artist’s region of Southeast Asia, sexual violence is regarded as a taboo topic, yet the artist forges on knowing that these words must be shared. “Violence in the places where shame shouldn't be, I’m not to blame for YOUR violation of me. How many hurt by family that can't ever speak? My mother's mother's mother, generations that bleed.” The emcee’s words seek to hit the root of the issue, going beyond one of gender, culture and status to addressing the pain of so many survivors and bystanders that seek answers from this ongoing endemic.
This song joins in the voices of so many internationally in hopes to end sexual abuse, and share music and words that heals.
Verse 1 - Tóke
(Intro) Hey yah, Oh.
This issue is systematic, for my sisters hard to cope
Yeah, hard to manage, all so harsh and tragic
This won't just go like magic, let's expose these wicked habits
Tow them out of traffic.
We've been told what a real man is, so we grow into this fallacy.
Time to unlearn all the rubbish yeah, burn toxic masculinity.
You're not responsible for what happened to you,
All your feelings are valid, don't listen to the malice
Cause you're more than that yeah, you're more than that yeah.
If there is anything I can do for you, just know that I'm out there fighting for you Cause you're more than that yeah, you're more than that yeah.
Chorus - Tóke
Not All That Glitters is Gold
Not All That Shines is the Light
I will not do what I'm told, if what I'm told isn't right.
Not All That Glitters is Gold
Not All That Shines is the Light
I will not do what I'm told, if what I'm told isn't right.
Rap Verse - Masia One
Trigger warning, this is a trigger warning,
To wake up to a world complacent, too far gone and,
Sister, brothers, sons, their daughters and kids,
How many hurt by wandering hands,
How many hid?
How many have been told, this stays our dirty secret?
How many weren't believed when they didn't try to keep it, inside.
This sickness breeds on a lie.
Survivors while they grieve as they cling to their lives
Society that celebrates the face on a flyer, so who's accountable for abuse in our lives? Violence in the places where shame shouldn't be
I'm not to blame for YOUR violation of me
How many hurt by family that can't ever speak?
My mother's mother's mother, generations that bleed.
Enough. Boys don't have to act tough,
Let it out and just cry, when these waters get rough
Take the time to listen, and don't ever judge.
With open arms, we need healing and love
I'm sorry for what happened to you my love.
I'm sorry that it happened to you my love.
Chorus - Masia One & Tóke
Not all that glitters is gold, Not all that shines is the light I will not do what I’m told
If what I’m told isn’t right.
Not all that glitters is gold, Not all that shines is the light I will not do what I’m told
If what I’m told isn’t right.
Chorus 2 - Masia One
Not all that glitters is gold, Not all that shines is the light I will not do what I’m told
If what I am told isn’t right.
credits
released April 27, 2022
Not All That Glitters (Acoustic Version)
Performed by Masia One & Tóke
Arrangement by DJ ALX
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