Let Robeson Sing

"Let Robeson Sing" is a song by the Manic Street Preachers in 2001 (see 2001 in music), the fourth single to be released from the Know Your Enemy album. All three members of the band - James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore and Nicky Wire - share the writing credits.

The song is a tribute to the black American actor, singer and civil rights campaigner Paul Robeson.

The CD includes versions of "Masking Tape", "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" - previously sung by Robeson - and a promotional video. The 12" has "Fear Of Motion", a "Let Robeson Sing" Ian Brown mix and a "Let Robeson Sing" Felix Da Housecat Mix.

The single reached number 19 in the UK charts on 22 September 2001, and was their lowest charting single since "She Is Suffering" reached number 25 in 1994.

On the 17th December 2011 Let Robeson Sing was the tenth of 38 songs performed at the one-off 'A Night of National Treasures' live performance at the The O2 Arena (London). The lead vocals were performed by special guest Gruff Rhys of the Super Furry Animals with James Dean Bradfield explaining to the audience that Rhys had been set to perform the song at the bands 2001 performance in Havana, Cuba but that circimstances had prevented this from happening.

Track listing

CD1

1. "Let Robeson Sing" - 3:46
2. "Masking Tape" - 4:11
3. "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel (traditional)" - 2:07
4. "Let Robeson Sing" (video-clip)

CD2

1. "Let Robeson Sing" - 3:46
2. "Let Robeson Sing" (Ian Brown Mix) - 5:01
3. "Let Robeson Sing" (Felix Da Housecat Mix) - 6:17
4. "Let Robeson Sing" (Live At teatro Karl Marx, Havana, 17 February 2001)
5. "Let Robeson Sing" (video from Cuba)

12"

Side A

1. "Fear of Motion" - 2:46
2. "Let Robeson Sing" (Ian Brown Mix) - 5:01

Side B

1. "Let Robeson Sing" (Felix Da Housecat Mix) - 6:17