Sade’s first new song in six years now has a music video. Young Lion, her single released last month for Red Hot’s compilation album Transa, consists of home movies that depict Sade’s relationship with her transgender son, Izaak.
Last month, Izaak spoke with Rolling Stone about his reaction to the song, in which Sade apologizes for not knowing his identity earlier. “Though there was nothing I needed to forgive her for, the lyrics ‘Forgive me, son, I should have known,’ struck a chord. My mum never tried to oppress the boy; I silently always knew I was. She always let me be me.”
Young Lion is an adaptation of a letter Sade gave Izaak on his 21st birthday. Although he saw the letter as “personal,” he said that “the world must hear it.
“I think that a song where a parent apologizes for misunderstanding their child can hold immense significance for the trans community,” Izaak said. “This song may serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that parents can learn, grow and ultimately accept their children for who they truly are. I hope it can offer a sense of comfort, validation and a feeling of being seen and understood.”
Yesterday, AIDS nonprofit Red Hot released Transa, an EP that brings awareness to the trans community. Other contributors include André 3000, Julien Baker, Sharon Van Etten, Moses Sumney, and Sam Smith.
Young man
It’s been so heavy for you
You must have felt so alone
The anguish and pain
I should have known
With such a heavy burden
You had to carry all on your own
Forgive me, son
I should have known
So close your eyes
Arms open wide
And feel the light
Arms open wide
You shine like a sun
Shine like a sun
Young gun
See how far you’ve come
You were hiding down
Where you almost drowned
Then a light like yours
We can’t put out
You shine like a sun
Shine like a sun
Young gun
So run down the mountains
Run down the hills of your dreams
You are evеrything
You have everything you need
So run down thе mountains
Arms open wide
Run down the hills of your dreams
Arms open wide
Feel the light
Shine like a sun
Young gun
See how far you’ve come
