Shirlette Ammons: “Spectacles”
Clip: 4/3/2025 | 3m 27sVideo has Closed Captions
In the song “Spectacles,” Shirlette Ammons explores how we see, what we see and how we’re seen.
In the song “Spectacles,” Shirlette Ammons explores how we see, what we see and how we’re seen. It also explores the idea of presenting one’s best, most confident and most vulnerable selves simultaneously, suggesting these aspects can coexist and be juxtaposed. Raleigh-based singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer joins Ammons on vocals.
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Shaped by Sound is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
Made possible through support from Come Hear NC, a program of the N.C. Music Office within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Shirlette Ammons: “Spectacles”
Clip: 4/3/2025 | 3m 27sVideo has Closed Captions
In the song “Spectacles,” Shirlette Ammons explores how we see, what we see and how we’re seen. It also explores the idea of presenting one’s best, most confident and most vulnerable selves simultaneously, suggesting these aspects can coexist and be juxtaposed. Raleigh-based singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer joins Ammons on vocals.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship[Upbeat Groove] Spectacles, you think we wearing dance shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Spectacles you think we wearing dance shoes The way they blocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ It's so positively obvious, it's common sense They duplicates, copycats, counterfeits We alley cats, battle cats, please We on the grind til feeding time, lick and leave Aye In case you miss me in Malibu City, dodging its underbelly, Five points like Piccadilly Fondness for three-ring circuses Martyrs be dying to sit in a room and light double dutch Point guard of my own avant garde Spectacles you think we wearing dance shoes The way they clocking every move Eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Spectacles you think they wearing dance shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ [Groove plays] Can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Can't stop, won't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Can't stop, won't stop watching ♪ They won't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ Yo, It's so obvious we targeted we known this since This dance began we contraband and branded misfits We live with this that's why we dance electric slide And we own the floor tonight, guess what And we own our copyright Question, can you dance with such delight Nothing's gonna kill the vibe tonight Crazy masquerade So they Can't look away, aye Don't look away Spectacles you think we wearing dancing shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Spectacles you think they wearing dancing shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious Aye ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ Spectacles you think they wearing dancing shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ Spectacles you think they wearing dancing shoes The way they clocking every move Their eyes spellbinded by the groove, it's obvious ♪ They can't stop watching ♪ ♪ Can't look away ♪ [Music Ends]
Video has Closed Captions
Hip-hop artist Shirlette Ammons blends her eastern NC roots with her love for her local community. (30s)
Shirlette Ammons: “Battalions”
Video has Closed Captions
Shirlette Ammons’ song “Battalions” calls for the protection of civil rights. (6m 17s)
Shirlette Ammons: “Corner Pocket”
Video has Closed Captions
Shirlette Ammons performs “Corner Pocket,” a touching story of family, friends and camaraderie. (3m 40s)
Shirlette Ammons: “Lyfted/Earth Segue”
Video has Closed Captions
For this performance, Shirlette Ammons seamlessly combines two songs, “Lyfted” and “Earth.” (4m 40s)
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Shirlette Ammons performs her song “Short,” which examines her relationship with her father. (2m 53s)
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Shaped by Sound is a local public television program presented by PBS NC
Made possible through support from Come Hear NC, a program of the N.C. Music Office within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.