The Folk Alliance International just awarded the Song of the Year, and it deservingly goes to “Sleeves Up,” written and performed by the one and only Crys Matthews.
Crys Matthews has built her career on music that feels less like performance and more like purpose. Her song “Sleeves Up,” is more than a folk anthem; it’s a rallying cry. Serving as the title track of her 2021 album, the song captures Matthews at her most direct and determined, blending sharp songwriting with a clear call for social responsibility. Where many protest songs point fingers, “Sleeves Up” extends an invitation: step forward, get involved, and do the work.
From the opening lines, Matthews establishes a tone of urgency grounded in optimism. The phrase “sleeves up” evokes images of neighbors showing up for one another, communities rebuilding, and ordinary people choosing action over apathy. Rather than focusing on abstract political debates, the song centers on tangible human effort—the kind that happens when people decide they are no longer willing to sit on the sidelines.
Musically, “Sleeves Up” is rooted in Matthews’ signature blend of Americana, folk, and blues. The melody is upbeat and warm, carried by an easy, sing-along rhythm. That accessibility is intentional. The arrangement never overwhelms the message; instead, it lifts it up, making the lyrics feel like a communal chant.
Lyrically, the song reflects Matthews’ identity as both an artist and an activist. As a queer Black woman working in the folk tradition, she understands the power of storytelling to inspire change. “Sleeves Up” speaks to listeners who are tired of division and ready to channel frustration into constructive energy.
“So wipe your face dry, roll your sleeves up,” she sings. “Even when they knock you down, you get back up, you don’t give up.”
What makes the song especially effective is its balance of realism and hope. Matthews does not pretend that fixing the world will be easy. She acknowledges pain, injustice, and exhaustion. But instead of dwelling there, she insists that progress is possible when people choose engagement over indifference. The chorus feels less like a demand and more like a reminder of our collective strength because, after all, it’s easier to gather up the light in the darkness, she sings.
Listen to “Sleeves Up” below to see for yourself why it won the Song of the Year award.