University of Michigan: Institute for Humanities Fellowship Application
Writing Sample .pdf
Writing Sample Examples
Example 2: Gaelynn Lea, I Wait, Youtube, 2018.
Verse 1
Can you see me
Way in the back here?
I’ve been waitin’
I’ve been waitin’ in line
It’s been a long time
Can’t get no service
Still I’m hopin’
I am hopin’ for a sign
Pre-Chorus 1
That one day things will change
And we can finally take our place
That history won’t forget us
Or try to minimize our pain
Chorus
And so I wait
And so I wait
Verse 2
Did you know that
When I get angry
I breathe fire
I could burn this place down?
You may not realize
All of the small ways
I am not welcome
But just take a look around
Pre-Chorus 2
Still everybody knows
That you need a place to go
And livin’ isn’t easy
If you incinerate your home
Chorus
And so I stay
And so I stay
Bridge
I may seem angry
So please forgive me
But I am still not free
In this society
How long must we keep fighting
For our right to be living?
Wrongs overdue for righting
We’re a bit too forgiving
Verse 3
So when you hear them
Make claims of progress
Take a good look
And see who isn’t there
We need a seat now
At the table
So please invite us
Or don’t pretend to care
Example 3: “I Wait” Lyrics, by Gaelynn Lea



Example 7: Gaelynn Lea, I Wait 🗽 Performed by Gaelynn Lea, Youtube, 2021.

