Your Words in Song
Back in July I sent a request to our community for their personal thoughts and feelings pertaining to the protests and conflict spurred by the death of George Floyd and the continuing racial unrest present in our country. I promised to create a piece of work (most likely a song) that in some way would use the words of those willing to share. Here’s the email as I wrote it:
Hey Friend,
I’ve been churning over social responsibility this past month and a half - more specifically, over my own lack of significant action in response to recent racial unrest. I want to count myself as a helper when it comes to social justice, but I’m falling short. I gave myself a pass from joining any BLM protests in the name of pandemic safety. I posted in support of the movement on Facebook and Instagram, but only minimally because I feel that the platforms largely host and boast more talkers than listeners and, for better or worse, I have trouble contributing to it in that way.
I know it's not enough, but I have been dreaming up a project. I wish for your words to be part of a new song. I don’t know what it might sound like. I don’t have a vision for a specific central theme. I would like to bring something together, though. Here’s what I’m thinking:
Can you lend me your thoughts and feelings? If it helps to have a prompt or two, then offer feedback on any or all of the questions below in your own words. Whatever question you wish to respond to or, if none of them hit the right mark for you, write a question of your own that addresses your concern(s). It can but doesn’t need to be well-written. It can but doesn’t need to be complete in its scope or logic. Most importantly it needs to be comprised of your own words in whatever language you choose to utilize. No references, articles, or citations, please. Just you. Just what you think. Just what you feel. Here are some possible prompts, but please permit yourself to contribute what you feel is relevant.
What concerns you about race, racism and inequality today?
How did you respond to the news that directly preceded the protests spurred (at least most immediately) by George Floyd’s death? How did you respond to the protesting?
What will it take to achieve harmony or wellness pertaining to race, racism and inequality?
What future do you see in/around/of it?
<insert other important pertaining question here>
If for whatever reason you’re not into writing but you’d still like to share, perhaps we can find a time to talk over the phone or screen.
Throughout the life (and/or fiery demise) of this project, I promise to keep every offering anonymous. My intent is to use your words in a new piece in some way, not to create any kind of old-style forum or make anyone vulnerable beyond their comfort. I’m interested in perspectives that are not my own. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. I won't promise to use every word or sentiment. I don’t know if, how or what may or may not be represented well or ill. I’m just looking for some insight and song clay to move toward greater racial harmony.
Write me. Or let's talk.
The diversity and thoughtfulness of the feedback I received was arresting, as was the inner doubt I met with while trying to create what I thought might do it some kind of justice. It took me more than half a year to get to the bottom of the song, but after we wrote the last line, it was only a matter of two weeks to lay the thing down and then another day to couple it with a visual element. Many thanks for your help.
Special thanks to our songwriting contributors, to Chris DeVitry at Bon Accord Studio for the fiddle and mixing, and to Kelly Lacy (@kellymlacy & makebeautiful.co) for the use of his video taken of Black Lives Matter mural painting on MLK Blvd in Chattanooga, TN.