Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a three part pancocojams series on the protest song "Which Side Are You On?".
"Which Side Are You On?" is a song written in 1931 by Florence Reece, the wife of Sam Reece, a union organizer for the United Mine Workers in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Part II of this series presents examples of 1960s and 1970s United States Civil Rights (African American protests) examples of "Which Side Are You On?".
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/07/origin-of-labor-protest-song-which-side.html for Part I of this series presents information about the origin of "Which Side Are You On?". The original lyrics for this song and a YouTube example of Natalie Merchant singing a cover of this song are included in this post.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/07/post-1970s-non-labor-movement-examples.html for Part III of this series. Part III presents information about and a few examples of "Which Side Are You On?" being sung during post 1970s non-Labor movement protests in the United States.
The content of this post is presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Florence Reece, the composer of this song, for her musical legacy. Thanks all those who sang and are still singing "Which Side Are You On" in their protests for labor rights and civil rights.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT AND EXAMPLES OF CIVIL RIGHTS VERSIONS OF THE PROTEST SONG "WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON"
Excerpt #1:
From https://longreads.com/2018/08/29/history-of-american-protest-music-which-side-are-you-on/ A History of American Protest Music: Which Side Are You On? By Tom Maxwell, 8/29/2018
"Just as we were in the 1930s and ’60s, America is suffering a moral crisis. We have to decide which side we are on: hate and exclusion, or justice, inclusion, and democracy?
...[Florence] Reece couldn’t have known that what she created would become the most durable anthem of the labor movement, and a template for protest songs for decades to come. “Which Side Are You On?,” written from acute personal trauma, has been universalized, both in lyric and musical modality. After making its way out of Harlan County and into a New York recording studio, it got modified to fit the message of countless underdog protagonists.
[...]
The Freedom Singers, a group formed by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1962, rewrote the lyric to reflect their Civil Rights struggle.
Come all you Negro people, lift up your voices and sing
Will you join the Ku Klux Klan or Martin Luther King?
They certainly employed, to great effect, the Almanac Singers’ call and response arrangement, bringing altogether more church into the proceedings.
Len Chandler, a topical singer from Greenwich Village who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King from Selma to Montgomery, wrote his own version:
Come all you Northern liberals, take a Klansman out to lunch
But when you dine, instead of wine, you should serve nonviolent punch"...
-snip-
Here's information about The Almanac Singers"
Fro,
"The Almanac Singers was an American New York City-based folk music group, active between 1940 and 1943, founded by Millard Lampell, Lee Hays, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie. The group specialized in topical songs, mostly songs advocating an anti-war, anti-racism and pro-union philosophy."...
****
Excerpt #2
From https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=50836 https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=50836
[with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Subject: Versions of 'Which Side Are You On?'
From: JohnnyBGoode
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 07:57 PM
"Wondering about versions of "Which Side are You On?" by Florence Reese, especially it being adapted to various circumstances..."
**
2. Subject: RE: Versions of 'Which Side Are You On?'
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 09:15 PM
"Way down in Hinds County,
No neutrals have I met,
You either are a freedom man,
Or a Tom for Ross Barnett.
--- Mississippi, early 1960s
Ross Barnett was the state governor who, among other things, tried to halt the desegregation of Ole Miss. That incident inspired Bob Dylan's Oxford Town. Today Ross Barnett has a reservoir named after him."
**
3. Subject: RE: Versions of 'Which Side Are You On?'
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Aug 02 - 02:23 PM
"One of my verses, composed back in the 1970's, which unfortunately is not obsolete runs:
We've fought in many a battle,
We're not done fighting yet;
As long as injustice roams this land,
We never shall forget!
Cheerily,
Charley Noble"
**
4. Subject: Lyr Add: WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON? (James Farmer)
From: masato sakurai
Date: 27 Aug 02 - 12:24 AM
"As a Civil Rights movement song (a stanza being quoted by Janice in NJ above) from Guy & Candie Carawan, Sing for Freedom (Sing Out, 1990, p. 45). Recording is on Sing For Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs (Smithsonian Folkways 40032).
WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON? (James Farmer)
Original verses by Florence Reese, new verses by James Farmer (CORE).
"I rewrote the old labor song by Florence Reece 'Which Side Are You On?' on the spur of the moment in the Hinds County Jail, after the Freedom Riders who were imprisoned there had been discussing and speculating about the attitude of local Negroes regarding the freedom Riders. We had learned through trustees in the jail that most local Negroes were with u, but afraid to do anything because of fear of reprisals. They told us that, of course, there were a lot of Uncle Toms around and it was hard to tell who was and who was not." -- James Farmer
Come all you freedom lovers, and listen while I tell
Of how the freedom riders came to Jackson to dwell.
CHORUS:
Oh, which side are you on, boys,
Which side are you on, (tell me)
Which side are you on, boys,
Which side are you on.
My daddy was a freedom fighter and I'm a freedom son
I'll stick right with this struggle until the battle's won.
Don't 'tom for Uncle Charlie', don't listen to his lies
'Cause black folks haven't got a chance until they organize.
They say in Hinds County, no neutrals have they met
You're either for the Freedom Ride or you 'tom' for Ross Barnett.
Oh people can you stand it, tell me how you can
Will you be an Uncle Tom or will you be a man?
Captain Ray will holler 'move on', but the Freedom Riders won't budge
They'll stand there in the ternimnals and even before the judge."
~Masato
-snip-
I added spacings in this comment to better reflect the different verses.
"CORE" = "Congress Of Racial Equality", a leading Civil Rights organization. Click https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/congress-of-racial-equality for information about CORE.
****
SHOWCASE YOUTUBE SOUND FILE- Which Side Are You On? (Civil Rights Version)
Various Artists – Topic, Published on May 30, 2015
Provided to YouTube by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Which Side Are You On? (Civil Rights Version) · The Freedom Voices with Len Chandler
WNEW's Story of Selma
℗ 2004 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings / 1965 Folkways Records
Released on: 1965-01-01
-snip-hThis sound file should more accurately be titled "One Civil Rights version, as multiple versions of "Which Side Are You On?" were sung during Civil Rights protests in the 1960s and 1870s (United States).
****
PANCOCOJAMS NOTES ABOUT MY TRANSCRIPTION OF THIS RECORDING
This sound file appears to be an interview with Lee Chandler and Cordell ? which was conducted for this recording by a man.
Here's my transcript of this sound file. Italics means I'm not sure about my transcription and "?" means that I couldn't understand which words are spoken or sung. Other possible words for one line of this song are given in brackets.
Notice that the lead singer sings one of these (probably improvised) interjections before the beginning of lines in the chorus:
“Won’t you tell me now"
"I wanna hear you now
"Everybody now”
“You betta tell me now”
“I wanna know now”
“You really got to tell me”
One person (the lead singer?) also sings the phrase "Well, well, well" at the end of one of the lines of this song.
Information about some of the references in this song are given below the transcription. Addition and corrections to this transcription and/or these explanations are welcome.
****
[UNOFFICIAL] TRANSCRIPTION
-Man speaking (interviewer?) -"In the march, this could go on for 20-25 minutes. I remember hearing a verse:
Come on all you good people
worried about being fat
A day on Route 80
Would take care of that
Lee Chandler - That’s a modification of some verses that I wrote.
Man speaking (interviewer?) -Would you start that verse off?
Chandler - Yeah, um some verses that I wrote for “Which Side Are You On” and Cordell and I sing that song all over Mississippi. And I asked a kid that I heard do that -um um one of the kids on the march, where did he get that verse. And he said “I don’t know. I heard it somewhere. I don’t know where it came from.”
Come all you bougeosie Black men
With all your excess fat
A few days in the county jail
Will sure get rid of that
(Chorus)
Won't you tell me, now
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on
I wanna know now, which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on.
Come all you freedom fighters
A story I will tell
‘Cause I’m down in prison [right down in prison?; I’m down in prison?]
In a lonesome jail cell
(Chorus)
Come all you Uncle Toms
Take that hankie from your head
Forget your fears and shed a tear
For the life of shame you’ve led
Don’t talk ‘bout Mr. Charlie
Don’t listen to his lies
'Cause we vote Cause we have a chance
Whenever we organize
You need not join the picket line
If you can’t stand the blows
But join your dimes with dollars
Or be counted on with our foes
Come all you high tone college grads
Announce your final G
But don’t forget your old grandma
She’s still scrubbin on her knees
Have you heard about the paddywagon
????
If you stand up for your rights
It’ll take you for a ride.
I heard that the Klu Klux Klan
They stop dyin their sheets
And now they sing about freedom
Every time they meet
****
EXPLANATIONS FOR SOME OF THE WORDS IN THIS VERSION OF THIS SONG
(given in alphabetical order)
blows - violence (including hitting with fists)
bourgeoisie- (standard definition) "the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes." https://www.google.com/search?q=bourgeoisie&oq=bourgeorise&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.1550j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
African American definition; people who act stuck up (siddity); middle class people who think they are better than working class people. Note that a common African American pronunciation for "bourgeoisie" is something like "boog-zhwah".
G - [test; class] grades
high tone- a rarely used descriptor that is the same as the African American definition for "bourgeoisie"
freedom fighters - 1960s and 1970s referent for Civil Rights activists [people who are "fighting for Black people's civil rights by marching ("demonstrating") and other non-violent strategies)
Klu Klux Klan - A White supremist hate group in the USA that was formed in the late 19th century and still exist today (in 2019). Klu Klux Klan members are known for wearing white sheets and pointed hats that cover their face.
Mr. Charlie - a 1970s' informal referent for the White man
paddy wagon- police wagon
Uncle Tom
From https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Uncle%20Tom
"Definition of Uncle Tom (Entry 1 of 2)
1 disparaging : a black person who is overeager to win the approval of whites (as by obsequious behavior or uncritical acceptance of white values and goals)
2 disparaging : a person who is overly subservient to or cooperative with authority
the worst floor managers and supervisors by far are women … Some of them are regular Uncle Toms
— Jane Fonda"
-snip-
The referent "Uncle Tom" came from the name of a character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin>".
In the 1960 and 1970s, the female referent "Aunt Jemima" had the same meaning as "Uncle Tom". The character "Aunt Jemima" was created by a White business man to sell his packaged pancakes. The use of "Aunt Jemima" as an insulting referent eventually died out and "Uncle Tom" began to be used for females and males. One remnant of the "Aunt Jemima" referent was the custom of portraying "Uncle Tom" wearing a scarf (handkerchief) tied in the front of his head similar to the one that the Aunt Jemima character wore. Indeed, another disparaging name for "Uncle Tom" was "handkerchief head".
Later depictions and real life portrayals of "Aunt Jemima" had her wearing her head scarf (bandana) tied in the back. Even later depictions of Aunt Jemima (on pancake packages) showed her without any head scarf because that had become too stereotypical. I believe that the "handkerchief head" referent was retired because some Black gang members and some rappers (such as Tupac) routinely wore head scarfs, and these men were decidedly not Uncle Toms. Also, a lot of African Americans wear head scarfs at night to protect our hair and/or our hair styles which is another reason why the term "handkerchief head" was retired.
Click http://utc.iath.virginia.edu/onstage/performin/tomjemimahp.html for a brief article about the characters Aunt Jemima and Uncle Tom.
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Civil Rights songs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Civil Rights songs. Show all posts
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Mavis Staples - "99 1/2 Won't Do" (civil rights version with video & lyrics)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases Mavis Staples' civil rights version of the Gospel song "99 1/2 Won't Do".
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, motivational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Dorothy Love Coates, the composer of the Gospel song that serves as the basis of this song and thanks to the composers and performers of this song. Thanks also to the producer of this video, and the publisher of this video on YouTube. Thanks also to the transcriber/s of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/09/three-example-of-gospel-song-99-12-wont.html for a pancocojams post on three Gospel versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/09/wilson-pickett-ninety-nine-and-half.html for a pancocojams post of Wilson Pickett's R&B song "Ninety Nine And A Half Won't Do".
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LYRICS: 99 1/2 WON'T DO [Civil Rights Version]
(original Gospel song composer: Dorothy Love Coates; )
(additional lyrics by Ry Cooder & Mavis Staples)
Well, I'm runnin'
I'm tryin' to make 100
99 and 1/2, it won't do
I'm runnin', runnin' for freedom y'all
Cause 99 and 1/2 just won't do
Now, if your God won't help you
You better try mine
My God is a freedom God
He'll make a way for you,
In a weary land,
He'll give you rest,
When you're tired,
Protect you on a danger zone
He'll guide you down a rugged road
And bring you out on the bright side
I'm runnin'
Tryin' to make 100
99 and a half, it just won't do
It's a rough and uphill journey
Lord, I'm tryin to make 100
99 and 1/2, it won't do, no, no
Down in Mississippi
It just won't do
Brothers in jail
It just won't do
Uneducated children
It just won't do
It's the 21st century
It just won't do
It feels like it's 1960
It just won't do
Broken levies
It just won't do
Lyin' politicians
It just won't do
Runnin' through hatred
It just won't do
Homeless babies
It just won't do
Freedom now
Lord, I'm runnin'
I'm tryin' to make 100
Cause 99 and 1/2 just won't do
Aha, my God's a freedom God,
My God is a peaceful God
He's a livin' God
And He's a merciful God
He has a kingdom, you know
And a city called Heaven
12 gates to that city
24 elders in the city
48 angels in the city
The streets are paved with gold
Have you heard of a city?
And don't you wanna go?
The address is 100, I gotta make 100
You see, I got 99 and 1/2
But it just ain't quite enough
I wanna go to that city
City called Heaven
No more cryin', no more hatred
Always Howdy, howdy, howdy,
And never Goodbye
Oh, that city
Come on, don't you wanna go?
I tell ya, the address is 100, 100, 100
See, 99 and 1/2, it just won't do
No, no, no, no, no
99 and 1/2, it just won't do
I'm here to tell ya that 99 and 1/2,
99 and 1/2,
99 and 1/2, it just won't do
I can't use it
Source: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/mavis_staples/99_and_12.html
****
FEATURED VIDEO: Mavis Staples "99 & 1/2"
modernfreedom, Uploaded on May 10, 2007
Its been 50 years and so little has changed. Police brutality at the 2007 May Day march in Los Angeles.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This pancocojams post showcases Mavis Staples' civil rights version of the Gospel song "99 1/2 Won't Do".
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, motivational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Dorothy Love Coates, the composer of the Gospel song that serves as the basis of this song and thanks to the composers and performers of this song. Thanks also to the producer of this video, and the publisher of this video on YouTube. Thanks also to the transcriber/s of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/09/three-example-of-gospel-song-99-12-wont.html for a pancocojams post on three Gospel versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/09/wilson-pickett-ninety-nine-and-half.html for a pancocojams post of Wilson Pickett's R&B song "Ninety Nine And A Half Won't Do".
****
LYRICS: 99 1/2 WON'T DO [Civil Rights Version]
(original Gospel song composer: Dorothy Love Coates; )
(additional lyrics by Ry Cooder & Mavis Staples)
Well, I'm runnin'
I'm tryin' to make 100
99 and 1/2, it won't do
I'm runnin', runnin' for freedom y'all
Cause 99 and 1/2 just won't do
Now, if your God won't help you
You better try mine
My God is a freedom God
He'll make a way for you,
In a weary land,
He'll give you rest,
When you're tired,
Protect you on a danger zone
He'll guide you down a rugged road
And bring you out on the bright side
I'm runnin'
Tryin' to make 100
99 and a half, it just won't do
It's a rough and uphill journey
Lord, I'm tryin to make 100
99 and 1/2, it won't do, no, no
Down in Mississippi
It just won't do
Brothers in jail
It just won't do
Uneducated children
It just won't do
It's the 21st century
It just won't do
It feels like it's 1960
It just won't do
Broken levies
It just won't do
Lyin' politicians
It just won't do
Runnin' through hatred
It just won't do
Homeless babies
It just won't do
Freedom now
Lord, I'm runnin'
I'm tryin' to make 100
Cause 99 and 1/2 just won't do
Aha, my God's a freedom God,
My God is a peaceful God
He's a livin' God
And He's a merciful God
He has a kingdom, you know
And a city called Heaven
12 gates to that city
24 elders in the city
48 angels in the city
The streets are paved with gold
Have you heard of a city?
And don't you wanna go?
The address is 100, I gotta make 100
You see, I got 99 and 1/2
But it just ain't quite enough
I wanna go to that city
City called Heaven
No more cryin', no more hatred
Always Howdy, howdy, howdy,
And never Goodbye
Oh, that city
Come on, don't you wanna go?
I tell ya, the address is 100, 100, 100
See, 99 and 1/2, it just won't do
No, no, no, no, no
99 and 1/2, it just won't do
I'm here to tell ya that 99 and 1/2,
99 and 1/2,
99 and 1/2, it just won't do
I can't use it
Source: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/mavis_staples/99_and_12.html
****
FEATURED VIDEO: Mavis Staples "99 & 1/2"
modernfreedom, Uploaded on May 10, 2007
Its been 50 years and so little has changed. Police brutality at the 2007 May Day march in Los Angeles.
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
The 1960s "It's Not Nice" Social Protest Song & A Black Lives Matter Protest At A Senator Bernie Sanders Event
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a video of the 1960s protest song "It's Not Nice" in part as commentary regarding the Black Lives Matter protest that occurred on August 8, 2015 at a public rally where Senator Bernie Sanders was slated to speak. Bernie Sanders is a Democratic candidate for United States President.
This post also includes excerpts from a Washington Post article and a daily kos dairy about that August 8, 2015 Black Lives Matter protest. In addition, this post includes a video of that protest is included in this post as are my comments about that protest and about Senator Sanders' presidential campaign.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and sociological purposes.
Hat tip to blogger rugbymom in this daily kos diary http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410098/-Noisome-Negroes-Interrupting-Stuff for posting the words to this song, thus alerting me to this song.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Malvina Reynolds for composing this song. Thanks also to all those activists who engage in non-violent protests that are one part of making the world a better place for all. And thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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SHOWCASE MUSIC EXAMPLE
"The Last Internationale -- It Isn't Nice" -- BJ Shea 09/17/14
BJandMIGSPublished on Sep 17, 2014
On this week's STP-CAST, The Last Internationale joined us to chat and play a few acoustic songs. Here they are covering "It Isn't Nice" by Malvina Reynolds.
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvina_Reynolds
"Malvina Reynolds (August 23, 1900 – March 17, 1978) was an American folk/blues singer-songwriter and political activist, best known for her song-writing, particularly the songs "Little Boxes" and "Morningtown Ride." "
-snip-
Note: Malvina Reynolds was Jewish.
****
LYRICS: IT ISN'T NICE
(Malvina Reynolds)
It isn't nice to block the doorway,
It isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it,
But the nice ways always fail.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
It isn't nice to carry banners
Or to sit in on the floor,
Or to shout our cry of Freedom
At the hotel and the store.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
We have tried negotiations
And the three-man picket line,1
Mr. Charlie2 didn't see us
And he might as well be blind.
Now our new ways aren't nice
When we deal with men of ice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
How about those years of lynchings
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say it wasn't proper,
Did you stand upon the track?
You were quiet just like mice,
Now you say we aren't nice,
And if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
It isn't nice to block the doorway,
It isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways always fail.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
But thanks for your advice,
Cause if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
Source: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/MALVINA/mr073.htm
[from that website]
"Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1964 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1993. This original version of the song was banned from the radio in Japan--in Japanese, but not in English!"
****
ARTICLE AND BLOG POST ABOUT THE PROTEST AT SENATOR SANDERS' EVENT (Seattle, August 8, 2015)
From http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/08/08/bernie-sanders-leaves-seattle-stage-after-event-disrupted-by-black-lives-matter-protesters/Protesters drove Bernie Sanders from one Seattle stage. At his next stop, 15,000 people showed." by John Wagner August 8 at 11:30 PM
"Bernie Sanders came to Seattle on Saturday with plans to give two speeches.
The first didn’t happen. An appearance by the senator from Vermont at an event celebrating the anniversary of Social Security and Medicare was scuttled after protesters from a local Black Lives Matter chapter took over the stage.
Hours later, Sanders, who has been drawing bigger crowds than any other presidential contender, drew his largest yet: about 15,000 at the college basketball arena where the Washington Huskies play...
The first event — which was held at a city park and live-streamed by a Seattle television station — went less swimmingly.
Sanders was the final speaker on a long program held at a city park. Shortly after he took stage, a small group of protesters from a Seattle chapter of Black Lives Matter took the microphone and demanded that the crowd hold Sanders “accountable” for not doing enough, in their view, to address police brutality and other issues on the group’s agenda.
After sharing a few local grievances with the crowd, including school disparities and gentrification in Seattle, the protesters asked for a period of silence to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown being shot and killed during a confrontation with a police officer in Ferguson, Mo.
Event organizers allowed the period of silence, as some in the large crowd booed and shouted for the protesters to leave the stage. Afterward, Marissa Janae Johnson, who identified herself as a leader of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Seattle, asked the crowd to “join us now in holding Bernie Sanders accountable for his actions.” She motioned for Sanders to join her at the microphone.
After several minutes of frantic conversations, Sanders left the stage and greeted people in the large crowd who had turned out to see him. Many chanted his name."..."
****
Excerpt from http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410098/-Noisome-Negroes-Interrupting-Stuff "Noisome Negroes Interrupting Stuff"
Sat Aug 08, 2015 at 06:02 PM PDT. by gchaucer2
"I don't care if it is a Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Jesus Christ big old rally. When someone or computer keyboard someones call for a revolution -- shite happens...
Then folks get upset and say -- shut up and get the hell out of our big old rally and go back to Baltimore, Cleveland, somewhere, somewhere but definitely France.
In other places -- Bernie Sanders and his supporters don't get all -- OMG!!!! Black People doing annoying stuff at a big old performance rally thing.
Thank heavens for Bernie who has been around longer than many of his supporters have been alive."
-snip-
Regarding the title of this dairy: "Negro" is a referent for Black Americans that was retired in the 1960s. I believe the referent "Negroes" was purposely used in this dairy to suggest that people who are distainful of the Black Lives Matter movement want Black people to be submissive and resigned to their "place" in American society as "Negroes" were (prior to the 1960s Civil Rights protests and prior to the Black Power movements in the late 1960s and 1970s.)
Some commenters to that dairy wrote that the word "noisome" means "vile and smelly" and not "noisy" like they think the diarist meant.
****
VIDEO OF SEATTLE PROTEST
Bernie Sanders Interrupted at Seattle Rally by Black Lives Matter Protesters
Democracy Watch Published on Aug 8, 2015
Moments after Senator Bernie Sanders started speaking at a Seattle rally, Black Lives Matter protestors interrupted the presidential hopeful. Members of the audience shouted for the protestors to leave the stage but the protestors screamed at Sanders and demanded the crowd hold the senator "accountable for his actions". After the event, Senator Sanders told reporters the incident was "unfortunate" especially since he, "wanted to talk about the issue of black lives." In July, Senator Sanders spoke at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference about policing issues in the black community.
Credit to KIRO TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News for the video footage.
****
EDITORIAL COMMENTS
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began after the killer of Trayvon Martin was aquitted. "Black Lives Matter" means "Black Lives Matter Too". Those who respond that "All lives matter" are missing the point that unarmed Black men, women, and children are being killed by police (and those wanna be police like Trayvon Martin's killer) often without any consequences.
As to the Black Lives Movements disruption of Senator Sanders' speech in Seattle, Washington, I agree with some of the bloggers in that daily kos dairy whose link is given above that Senator Bernie Sanders is being targeted by BLM activists because he and/or his supporters have described his candidacy a revolution. Like a number of progressives, Senator Sanders has largely focused on income inequality. While income inequality intersects with systemic racism, it doesn't fully address the issue of systemic racism.
Senator Sanders is a White man who represents a state that has only 1% Black population and few other People of Color. Furthermore, the optics of his huge politic rallies to date show what appears to be all White or almost all White attendees. Those optics may largely be because of the very small percentage of Black people and other People of Color who live in the cities and states where Sanders has campaigned to date. However, I think it's quite problematic if it is true, as I've read, that Senator Sanders has no Black people in his inner circle of advisors. What is going to happen when he does campaign in cities and states where there are considerable numbers of Black people and other People of Color? Will his huge crowds look the same as they look now? If so, Bernie Sanders won't become the Democratic nominee for President.
Representatives of Black Lives Matters targeted Senator Sanders and former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, who is also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for US President, at the 2015 Netroots Nation conference. Click http://www.theroot.com/articles/politics/2015/07/how_bernie_sanders_and_martin_o_malley_botched_blacklivesmatter_at_netroots.html for a commentary about that protest.
I've read that since that Netroot Nations protest, both Senator Sanders and Governor Martin O'Malley have spoken out more often about police brutality. However, these protestors are demanding more attention to their issues from those Democratic candidates who expect Black support (since most African Americans usually vote Democratic). I agree with that demand.
I also agree with some of those who posted to that linked daily kos article that one of the reasons why Senator Sanders was targeted at at the Netroots Nation and that Seattle event was that he is the only Democratic candidate that is holding large public events, and he doesn't have the security that the actual Democratic and Republican nominees for president will have. I also agree with those bloggers who have written in this diary and elsewhere that Senator Sanders needs to add People of Color not just to his staff but to his inner circle of advisors.
Furthermore, if not the Black Lives Matter movement, I think Senator Sanders should attend and publically support social justice movements such as North Carolina's Moral Monday movement(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_Mondays). Senator Sanders publically joining a Moral Monday rally would give that movement needed publicity and would help convince Black people and others that Senator Sanders really "gets" that there are more issues that effect Black people besides income inequality and climate change.
While I don't fully agree with all Black Lives Matter strategies such as blocking highway traffic, I applaud the fact that that movement is drawing attention to the existence of and effects of systemic racism in this nation.
-snip-
UPDATE:
I just read two news items that pertain to my comments:
1. Senator Bernie Sanders just hired Simone Sanders (an African American female who is Chairman of the National Coalition For Juvenile Justice, as his new National Press Secretary. Simone Sanders (no relation to Bernie Sanders) just gave a ten minute speech on how close Senator Sanders' positions are to those of Black Lives Matter.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410137/-Bernie-Sanders-rally-in-Seattle-news-item
2. Black Lives Matter Washington sent this tweet on August 8, 2015:
"To the people of Seattle and Senator Sanders, we would like to issue a public statement of apology. We still want and need your support."
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410158/-Bernie-Sanders-official-statement-on-BLM-in-Seattle
-snip-
The implication is that those activists who shut down Bernie Sanders' speech in Seattle either don't belong to the Black Lives Matter Washington group, or are members of that organization but took those actions without the approval of those who are leading BLM Washington. But it's my understanding that, similar to Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matters organizations throughout the United States are loosely structured with no official leaders. So people who consider themselves proponents of Black Lives Matters' issues can believe that they are acting on behalf of that movement.
Here's Senator Sanders' statement about that protest:
“I am disappointed that two people disrupted a rally attended by thousands at which I was invited to speak about fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare. I was especially disappointed because on criminal justice reform and the need to fight racism there is no other candidate for president who will fight harder than me.” [link found above]
-snip-
It will be interesting to see what plans Senator Sanders says going forward about criminal justice reform and the need to fight racism.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases a video of the 1960s protest song "It's Not Nice" in part as commentary regarding the Black Lives Matter protest that occurred on August 8, 2015 at a public rally where Senator Bernie Sanders was slated to speak. Bernie Sanders is a Democratic candidate for United States President.
This post also includes excerpts from a Washington Post article and a daily kos dairy about that August 8, 2015 Black Lives Matter protest. In addition, this post includes a video of that protest is included in this post as are my comments about that protest and about Senator Sanders' presidential campaign.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and sociological purposes.
Hat tip to blogger rugbymom in this daily kos diary http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410098/-Noisome-Negroes-Interrupting-Stuff for posting the words to this song, thus alerting me to this song.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Malvina Reynolds for composing this song. Thanks also to all those activists who engage in non-violent protests that are one part of making the world a better place for all. And thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
SHOWCASE MUSIC EXAMPLE
"The Last Internationale -- It Isn't Nice" -- BJ Shea 09/17/14
BJandMIGSPublished on Sep 17, 2014
On this week's STP-CAST, The Last Internationale joined us to chat and play a few acoustic songs. Here they are covering "It Isn't Nice" by Malvina Reynolds.
-snip-
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvina_Reynolds
"Malvina Reynolds (August 23, 1900 – March 17, 1978) was an American folk/blues singer-songwriter and political activist, best known for her song-writing, particularly the songs "Little Boxes" and "Morningtown Ride." "
-snip-
Note: Malvina Reynolds was Jewish.
****
LYRICS: IT ISN'T NICE
(Malvina Reynolds)
It isn't nice to block the doorway,
It isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it,
But the nice ways always fail.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
It isn't nice to carry banners
Or to sit in on the floor,
Or to shout our cry of Freedom
At the hotel and the store.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
We have tried negotiations
And the three-man picket line,1
Mr. Charlie2 didn't see us
And he might as well be blind.
Now our new ways aren't nice
When we deal with men of ice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
How about those years of lynchings
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say it wasn't proper,
Did you stand upon the track?
You were quiet just like mice,
Now you say we aren't nice,
And if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
It isn't nice to block the doorway,
It isn't nice to go to jail,
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways always fail.
It isn't nice, it isn't nice,
But thanks for your advice,
Cause if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.
Source: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/MALVINA/mr073.htm
[from that website]
"Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1964 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1993. This original version of the song was banned from the radio in Japan--in Japanese, but not in English!"
****
ARTICLE AND BLOG POST ABOUT THE PROTEST AT SENATOR SANDERS' EVENT (Seattle, August 8, 2015)
From http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/08/08/bernie-sanders-leaves-seattle-stage-after-event-disrupted-by-black-lives-matter-protesters/Protesters drove Bernie Sanders from one Seattle stage. At his next stop, 15,000 people showed." by John Wagner August 8 at 11:30 PM
"Bernie Sanders came to Seattle on Saturday with plans to give two speeches.
The first didn’t happen. An appearance by the senator from Vermont at an event celebrating the anniversary of Social Security and Medicare was scuttled after protesters from a local Black Lives Matter chapter took over the stage.
Hours later, Sanders, who has been drawing bigger crowds than any other presidential contender, drew his largest yet: about 15,000 at the college basketball arena where the Washington Huskies play...
The first event — which was held at a city park and live-streamed by a Seattle television station — went less swimmingly.
Sanders was the final speaker on a long program held at a city park. Shortly after he took stage, a small group of protesters from a Seattle chapter of Black Lives Matter took the microphone and demanded that the crowd hold Sanders “accountable” for not doing enough, in their view, to address police brutality and other issues on the group’s agenda.
After sharing a few local grievances with the crowd, including school disparities and gentrification in Seattle, the protesters asked for a period of silence to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown being shot and killed during a confrontation with a police officer in Ferguson, Mo.
Event organizers allowed the period of silence, as some in the large crowd booed and shouted for the protesters to leave the stage. Afterward, Marissa Janae Johnson, who identified herself as a leader of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Seattle, asked the crowd to “join us now in holding Bernie Sanders accountable for his actions.” She motioned for Sanders to join her at the microphone.
After several minutes of frantic conversations, Sanders left the stage and greeted people in the large crowd who had turned out to see him. Many chanted his name."..."
****
Excerpt from http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410098/-Noisome-Negroes-Interrupting-Stuff "Noisome Negroes Interrupting Stuff"
Sat Aug 08, 2015 at 06:02 PM PDT. by gchaucer2
"I don't care if it is a Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Jesus Christ big old rally. When someone or computer keyboard someones call for a revolution -- shite happens...
Then folks get upset and say -- shut up and get the hell out of our big old rally and go back to Baltimore, Cleveland, somewhere, somewhere but definitely France.
In other places -- Bernie Sanders and his supporters don't get all -- OMG!!!! Black People doing annoying stuff at a big old performance rally thing.
Thank heavens for Bernie who has been around longer than many of his supporters have been alive."
-snip-
Regarding the title of this dairy: "Negro" is a referent for Black Americans that was retired in the 1960s. I believe the referent "Negroes" was purposely used in this dairy to suggest that people who are distainful of the Black Lives Matter movement want Black people to be submissive and resigned to their "place" in American society as "Negroes" were (prior to the 1960s Civil Rights protests and prior to the Black Power movements in the late 1960s and 1970s.)
Some commenters to that dairy wrote that the word "noisome" means "vile and smelly" and not "noisy" like they think the diarist meant.
****
VIDEO OF SEATTLE PROTEST
Bernie Sanders Interrupted at Seattle Rally by Black Lives Matter Protesters
Democracy Watch Published on Aug 8, 2015
Moments after Senator Bernie Sanders started speaking at a Seattle rally, Black Lives Matter protestors interrupted the presidential hopeful. Members of the audience shouted for the protestors to leave the stage but the protestors screamed at Sanders and demanded the crowd hold the senator "accountable for his actions". After the event, Senator Sanders told reporters the incident was "unfortunate" especially since he, "wanted to talk about the issue of black lives." In July, Senator Sanders spoke at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference about policing issues in the black community.
Credit to KIRO TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News for the video footage.
****
EDITORIAL COMMENTS
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement began after the killer of Trayvon Martin was aquitted. "Black Lives Matter" means "Black Lives Matter Too". Those who respond that "All lives matter" are missing the point that unarmed Black men, women, and children are being killed by police (and those wanna be police like Trayvon Martin's killer) often without any consequences.
As to the Black Lives Movements disruption of Senator Sanders' speech in Seattle, Washington, I agree with some of the bloggers in that daily kos dairy whose link is given above that Senator Bernie Sanders is being targeted by BLM activists because he and/or his supporters have described his candidacy a revolution. Like a number of progressives, Senator Sanders has largely focused on income inequality. While income inequality intersects with systemic racism, it doesn't fully address the issue of systemic racism.
Senator Sanders is a White man who represents a state that has only 1% Black population and few other People of Color. Furthermore, the optics of his huge politic rallies to date show what appears to be all White or almost all White attendees. Those optics may largely be because of the very small percentage of Black people and other People of Color who live in the cities and states where Sanders has campaigned to date. However, I think it's quite problematic if it is true, as I've read, that Senator Sanders has no Black people in his inner circle of advisors. What is going to happen when he does campaign in cities and states where there are considerable numbers of Black people and other People of Color? Will his huge crowds look the same as they look now? If so, Bernie Sanders won't become the Democratic nominee for President.
Representatives of Black Lives Matters targeted Senator Sanders and former Maryland governor Martin O'Malley, who is also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for US President, at the 2015 Netroots Nation conference. Click http://www.theroot.com/articles/politics/2015/07/how_bernie_sanders_and_martin_o_malley_botched_blacklivesmatter_at_netroots.html for a commentary about that protest.
I've read that since that Netroot Nations protest, both Senator Sanders and Governor Martin O'Malley have spoken out more often about police brutality. However, these protestors are demanding more attention to their issues from those Democratic candidates who expect Black support (since most African Americans usually vote Democratic). I agree with that demand.
I also agree with some of those who posted to that linked daily kos article that one of the reasons why Senator Sanders was targeted at at the Netroots Nation and that Seattle event was that he is the only Democratic candidate that is holding large public events, and he doesn't have the security that the actual Democratic and Republican nominees for president will have. I also agree with those bloggers who have written in this diary and elsewhere that Senator Sanders needs to add People of Color not just to his staff but to his inner circle of advisors.
Furthermore, if not the Black Lives Matter movement, I think Senator Sanders should attend and publically support social justice movements such as North Carolina's Moral Monday movement(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_Mondays). Senator Sanders publically joining a Moral Monday rally would give that movement needed publicity and would help convince Black people and others that Senator Sanders really "gets" that there are more issues that effect Black people besides income inequality and climate change.
While I don't fully agree with all Black Lives Matter strategies such as blocking highway traffic, I applaud the fact that that movement is drawing attention to the existence of and effects of systemic racism in this nation.
-snip-
UPDATE:
I just read two news items that pertain to my comments:
1. Senator Bernie Sanders just hired Simone Sanders (an African American female who is Chairman of the National Coalition For Juvenile Justice, as his new National Press Secretary. Simone Sanders (no relation to Bernie Sanders) just gave a ten minute speech on how close Senator Sanders' positions are to those of Black Lives Matter.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410137/-Bernie-Sanders-rally-in-Seattle-news-item
2. Black Lives Matter Washington sent this tweet on August 8, 2015:
"To the people of Seattle and Senator Sanders, we would like to issue a public statement of apology. We still want and need your support."
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/08/09/1410158/-Bernie-Sanders-official-statement-on-BLM-in-Seattle
-snip-
The implication is that those activists who shut down Bernie Sanders' speech in Seattle either don't belong to the Black Lives Matter Washington group, or are members of that organization but took those actions without the approval of those who are leading BLM Washington. But it's my understanding that, similar to Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matters organizations throughout the United States are loosely structured with no official leaders. So people who consider themselves proponents of Black Lives Matters' issues can believe that they are acting on behalf of that movement.
Here's Senator Sanders' statement about that protest:
“I am disappointed that two people disrupted a rally attended by thousands at which I was invited to speak about fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare. I was especially disappointed because on criminal justice reform and the need to fight racism there is no other candidate for president who will fight harder than me.” [link found above]
-snip-
It will be interesting to see what plans Senator Sanders says going forward about criminal justice reform and the need to fight racism.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
The "I Can't Breathe" Protest Song (Information, Lyrics, & Videos)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a new civil rights song entitled "I Can't Breathe" which was composed in 2014 by Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets.
This post also provides information about and videos of Samuel L. Jackson's "I Can't Breathe" song challenge.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, motivational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets for composing this song and thanks also to Samuel L Jackson and all those who took the "I Can't Breathe" song challenge. In addition, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
THE BACKGROUND OF SAYING (USED IN PROTEST MARCHES)
From http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/09/i-cant-breathe-eric-garners-last-words-are-2014s-most-notable-quote-according-to-yale-librarian/ " 'I can’t breathe.’ Eric Garner’s last words are 2014’s most notable quote, according to a Yale librarian.
"Fred Shapiro had already finished his list of 2014’s most notable quotes and sent it out to the media on Dec. 3 — the same day a Staten Island grand jury decided to not indict a white New York police officer for the death of Eric Garner, a black man.
“I can’t breathe!” Garner had gasped repeatedly in July as officer Daniel Pantaleo wrapped his arm around Garner’s neck.
The morning after that grand jury decision, Shapiro, the editor of “The Yale Book of Quotations,” saw news coverage of protesters turning Garner’s final words into a rallying cry. “There was this quote staring me in the face, and that’s something that should be the quote of the year,” Shapiro
recalled.
So the Yale Law Library’s associate director and lecturer revised his 2014 list, placing “I can’t breathe” in the top slot. His widely cited annual list, which is intended to capture the political and cultural mood of the country each year, serves as a supplement to “The Yale Book of Quotations,” originally published in 2006....
Shapiro relied on a gut sense that “I can’t breathe” wouldn’t be an ephemeral slogan, but rather a phrase with real and lasting impact. He said this was the first time he has made such a last-minute judgement on a quote, a choice he made within an hour.
Many factors contribute to making Garner’s words so powerful, Shapiro said. Garner uttered them while he was dying on a New York sidewalk. They were clearly captured on video.
Also, the image of Garner on the ground with police swarming around him sparked an outpouring of outrage across the country, among liberals and conservatives, whites and blacks alike."...
****
LYRICS: I CAN'T BREATHE [original lyrics]
(Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets)
"I still hear my brother crying ‘I can’t breathe’
Now I’m in the struggle and saying 'I can’t leave'
Calling out the violence of these racist police.
We ain’t gonna stop till people are free
We ain’t gonna stop till people are free"
****
LYRICS: I CAN'T BREATHE [folk processed lyrics, as popularized by actor Samuel L. Jackson]
I can hear my neighbor cryin -- "I can't breathe"
Caught up in the struggle sayin’ -- "I can't leave"
Callin out the violence of the racist police
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
We ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
-snip-
The Peace Poets' song "I Can't Breathe" is considered by some to be the anthem of the United States' police violence protest movement. This is due, in part, to that group's and others’ promotion of the "I Can't Breathe" song on Twitter, YouTube, and other internet based social media. Another big boost to publicizing this song is its promotion by actor Samuel L. Jackson and his "I Can't Breathe" challenge to celebrities and others to post a video of themselves singing that song, similar the way that people posted videos of themselves doing the ice bucket challenge (to publicize the disease ALS). Information about that song challenge is found below.
I think that the "I Can't Breathe" song "works", in part, because its words and its tune are easy to remember. The entire song has only five line, and the last line is a repeat of the fourth line. Furthermore, the "We ain't gonna stop till [our] people are free" lyrics are reminiscent of the focus on "freedom" in the 1960s civil rights songs, and the determined "We shall not be moved" stance of those protest songs.
Slight changes have already occurred in the way that "I Can't Breathe" is sung such changing the word "brother" to "neigbor", adding vocal flourishes, including an interjection such as "Listen" before the lyrics are repeated, and not clapping after the word "stop" as was done in the original video by The Peace Brothers. However, in the videos that I've watched to date the word "stop" is sung in a sharp/clipped manner, and/or the singers pause for a beat after that word before continuing that song.
Also, in Samuel L. Jackson's video and in other videos that I've watched to date of "I Can't Breathe" song, people don't clap their hands after the word "stop". In one video, Samuel L. Jackson referrred to the song "I Can't Breathe" as the 'We Ain't Gonna Stop till People are Free' song."
In my opinion, the folk processed change from "brother" to the word "neighbor" improves the song because "neighbor" is gender neutral.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
The first two videos feature The Peace Poets. All of the other videos are presented in chronological order based on their posting dates with the oldest dated video given first.
Example #1: "I Can't Breathe" PROTEST SONG
The Peace Poets, Published on Dec 11, 2014
I still hear my brother crying -- "I can't breathe"
Now I'm in the struggle singing -- "I can't leave"
We calling out the violence of these racist police
And WE ain't gonna stop -- til our people are free!
www.ThisStopsToday.org
Lift your voices, ORGANIZE and take ACTION for brother Eric and all lives lost to police murder and state sponsored violence.
"It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains." - Assata Shakur
-snip-
Selected comment from this video's viewer comment thread:
The Peace Poets, December 2014
"The song ["I Can't Breathe"] was written by Luke Nephew of our group for a direct action linked with #ThisStopsToday (a response to the non-indicment in the Eric Garner case) and was first used to block the entrance of the Manhattan Bridge with coffins while singing the song. Video can be seen above and original audio from that action can be found at the end of the video."
-snip-
Here's information about The Peace Poets from their website http://abetheprofit.wix.com/peacepoetsbooking#!about-us
"The Peace Poets use music and poetry in our collective struggle for justice.
Through performances and workshops we open spaces for all people to embrace their role as leaders in the construction of more just communities."
-snip-
The Peace Poets are based in New York City.
****
Example #2: Samuel L. Jackson to celebs: Sing 'I Can't Breathe'
USA TODAY Published on Dec 16, 2014
Actor Samuel L. Jackson is challenging his fellow celebrities and others to sing what's becoming the anthem of the anti-police brutality movement. People are joining the #icantbreathechallenge by sharing their own versions of the song.
-snip-
Here's an excerpt of an article about Samuel L. Jackson's "I Can't Breathe" challenge to celebrities and others:
From http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/15/showbiz/samuel-jackson-i-cant-breathe/ http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/15/showbiz/samuel-jackson-i-cant-breathe/ Samuel L. Jackson challenges celebs: Sing 'I can't breathe' By Lisa Respers France, CNN, updated 8:20 AM EST, Mon December 15, 2014
"Samuel L. Jackson is calling on celebs who participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge to take part in another movement.
The actor recently posted a video on his personal Facebook page asking stars who got drenched to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, to raise their voices for another cause.
"All you celebrities out there who poured ice water on your head, I challenge you to do something else," Jackson said. "I challenge all of you to sing the 'We Ain't Gonna Stop till People are Free' song."
Jackson then proceeded to sing the lyrics: "I can hear my neighbor cryin' 'I can't breathe'/Now I'm in the struggle and I can't leave/Calling out the violence of the racist police/We ain't gonna stop 'til people are free/We ain't gonna stop 'til people are free."....
****
Example #3: "No Cash" Accepted Samuel L Jacksons Celebrity Challenge
No Cash, Published on Dec 17, 2014
-snip-
Lyrics [transcribed from the video]
I can hear my neighbor cryin -- "I can't breathe"
Caught up in the struggle sayin’ -- "I can't leave"
Callin out the violence of the racist police
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
Listen, I can hear my neighbor crying -- "I can't breathe"
[Continue singing the words given above]
-snip-
Hip Hop artist No Cash sings that song with the same tune and tempo as The Peace Poets & Samuel L. Jackson. But he makes the song his own by adding flourishes such as elongating the end word "free".
At the end of the song, No Cash says:
"Rest in peace all the falling soldiers, Michael Brown, Eric Garner. Samuel Jackson this is for you!
[No Cash is joined by other men who had been standing silently or appearing to talk to each other while No Cash sung that song]
No Cash says - Hands up!
Other men respond - Don't shoot!
Hands up!
(Don't shoot!)
-snip-
Also, note that neither Samuel L. Jackson or No Cash clap their hands after singing the word "stop" as The Peace Poets did.
****
RELATED LINKS
Click https://twitter.com/joshtrujillo/status/597250670350110720 for a brief video of the "I Can't Breathe" song that was sung by Black Lives Matter marchers in Seattle, Washington (May 9, 2015).
Visit my civil rights song blog http://civilrightssongs.blogspot.com for lyrics, sound files, and videos of a number of 1960s civil rights songs (also known as "freedom songs").
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases a new civil rights song entitled "I Can't Breathe" which was composed in 2014 by Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets.
This post also provides information about and videos of Samuel L. Jackson's "I Can't Breathe" song challenge.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, folkloric, motivational, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets for composing this song and thanks also to Samuel L Jackson and all those who took the "I Can't Breathe" song challenge. In addition, thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
THE BACKGROUND OF SAYING (USED IN PROTEST MARCHES)
From http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/09/i-cant-breathe-eric-garners-last-words-are-2014s-most-notable-quote-according-to-yale-librarian/ " 'I can’t breathe.’ Eric Garner’s last words are 2014’s most notable quote, according to a Yale librarian.
"Fred Shapiro had already finished his list of 2014’s most notable quotes and sent it out to the media on Dec. 3 — the same day a Staten Island grand jury decided to not indict a white New York police officer for the death of Eric Garner, a black man.
“I can’t breathe!” Garner had gasped repeatedly in July as officer Daniel Pantaleo wrapped his arm around Garner’s neck.
The morning after that grand jury decision, Shapiro, the editor of “The Yale Book of Quotations,” saw news coverage of protesters turning Garner’s final words into a rallying cry. “There was this quote staring me in the face, and that’s something that should be the quote of the year,” Shapiro
recalled.
So the Yale Law Library’s associate director and lecturer revised his 2014 list, placing “I can’t breathe” in the top slot. His widely cited annual list, which is intended to capture the political and cultural mood of the country each year, serves as a supplement to “The Yale Book of Quotations,” originally published in 2006....
Shapiro relied on a gut sense that “I can’t breathe” wouldn’t be an ephemeral slogan, but rather a phrase with real and lasting impact. He said this was the first time he has made such a last-minute judgement on a quote, a choice he made within an hour.
Many factors contribute to making Garner’s words so powerful, Shapiro said. Garner uttered them while he was dying on a New York sidewalk. They were clearly captured on video.
Also, the image of Garner on the ground with police swarming around him sparked an outpouring of outrage across the country, among liberals and conservatives, whites and blacks alike."...
****
LYRICS: I CAN'T BREATHE [original lyrics]
(Luke Nephew of The Peace Poets)
"I still hear my brother crying ‘I can’t breathe’
Now I’m in the struggle and saying 'I can’t leave'
Calling out the violence of these racist police.
We ain’t gonna stop till people are free
We ain’t gonna stop till people are free"
****
LYRICS: I CAN'T BREATHE [folk processed lyrics, as popularized by actor Samuel L. Jackson]
I can hear my neighbor cryin -- "I can't breathe"
Caught up in the struggle sayin’ -- "I can't leave"
Callin out the violence of the racist police
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
We ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
-snip-
The Peace Poets' song "I Can't Breathe" is considered by some to be the anthem of the United States' police violence protest movement. This is due, in part, to that group's and others’ promotion of the "I Can't Breathe" song on Twitter, YouTube, and other internet based social media. Another big boost to publicizing this song is its promotion by actor Samuel L. Jackson and his "I Can't Breathe" challenge to celebrities and others to post a video of themselves singing that song, similar the way that people posted videos of themselves doing the ice bucket challenge (to publicize the disease ALS). Information about that song challenge is found below.
I think that the "I Can't Breathe" song "works", in part, because its words and its tune are easy to remember. The entire song has only five line, and the last line is a repeat of the fourth line. Furthermore, the "We ain't gonna stop till [our] people are free" lyrics are reminiscent of the focus on "freedom" in the 1960s civil rights songs, and the determined "We shall not be moved" stance of those protest songs.
Slight changes have already occurred in the way that "I Can't Breathe" is sung such changing the word "brother" to "neigbor", adding vocal flourishes, including an interjection such as "Listen" before the lyrics are repeated, and not clapping after the word "stop" as was done in the original video by The Peace Brothers. However, in the videos that I've watched to date the word "stop" is sung in a sharp/clipped manner, and/or the singers pause for a beat after that word before continuing that song.
Also, in Samuel L. Jackson's video and in other videos that I've watched to date of "I Can't Breathe" song, people don't clap their hands after the word "stop". In one video, Samuel L. Jackson referrred to the song "I Can't Breathe" as the 'We Ain't Gonna Stop till People are Free' song."
In my opinion, the folk processed change from "brother" to the word "neighbor" improves the song because "neighbor" is gender neutral.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
The first two videos feature The Peace Poets. All of the other videos are presented in chronological order based on their posting dates with the oldest dated video given first.
Example #1: "I Can't Breathe" PROTEST SONG
The Peace Poets, Published on Dec 11, 2014
I still hear my brother crying -- "I can't breathe"
Now I'm in the struggle singing -- "I can't leave"
We calling out the violence of these racist police
And WE ain't gonna stop -- til our people are free!
www.ThisStopsToday.org
Lift your voices, ORGANIZE and take ACTION for brother Eric and all lives lost to police murder and state sponsored violence.
"It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains." - Assata Shakur
-snip-
Selected comment from this video's viewer comment thread:
The Peace Poets, December 2014
"The song ["I Can't Breathe"] was written by Luke Nephew of our group for a direct action linked with #ThisStopsToday (a response to the non-indicment in the Eric Garner case) and was first used to block the entrance of the Manhattan Bridge with coffins while singing the song. Video can be seen above and original audio from that action can be found at the end of the video."
-snip-
Here's information about The Peace Poets from their website http://abetheprofit.wix.com/peacepoetsbooking#!about-us
"The Peace Poets use music and poetry in our collective struggle for justice.
Through performances and workshops we open spaces for all people to embrace their role as leaders in the construction of more just communities."
-snip-
The Peace Poets are based in New York City.
****
Example #2: Samuel L. Jackson to celebs: Sing 'I Can't Breathe'
USA TODAY Published on Dec 16, 2014
Actor Samuel L. Jackson is challenging his fellow celebrities and others to sing what's becoming the anthem of the anti-police brutality movement. People are joining the #icantbreathechallenge by sharing their own versions of the song.
-snip-
Here's an excerpt of an article about Samuel L. Jackson's "I Can't Breathe" challenge to celebrities and others:
From http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/15/showbiz/samuel-jackson-i-cant-breathe/ http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/15/showbiz/samuel-jackson-i-cant-breathe/ Samuel L. Jackson challenges celebs: Sing 'I can't breathe' By Lisa Respers France, CNN, updated 8:20 AM EST, Mon December 15, 2014
"Samuel L. Jackson is calling on celebs who participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge to take part in another movement.
The actor recently posted a video on his personal Facebook page asking stars who got drenched to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, to raise their voices for another cause.
"All you celebrities out there who poured ice water on your head, I challenge you to do something else," Jackson said. "I challenge all of you to sing the 'We Ain't Gonna Stop till People are Free' song."
Jackson then proceeded to sing the lyrics: "I can hear my neighbor cryin' 'I can't breathe'/Now I'm in the struggle and I can't leave/Calling out the violence of the racist police/We ain't gonna stop 'til people are free/We ain't gonna stop 'til people are free."....
****
Example #3: "No Cash" Accepted Samuel L Jacksons Celebrity Challenge
No Cash, Published on Dec 17, 2014
-snip-
Lyrics [transcribed from the video]
I can hear my neighbor cryin -- "I can't breathe"
Caught up in the struggle sayin’ -- "I can't leave"
Callin out the violence of the racist police
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
And we ain't gonna stop -- til people are free!
Listen, I can hear my neighbor crying -- "I can't breathe"
[Continue singing the words given above]
-snip-
Hip Hop artist No Cash sings that song with the same tune and tempo as The Peace Poets & Samuel L. Jackson. But he makes the song his own by adding flourishes such as elongating the end word "free".
At the end of the song, No Cash says:
"Rest in peace all the falling soldiers, Michael Brown, Eric Garner. Samuel Jackson this is for you!
[No Cash is joined by other men who had been standing silently or appearing to talk to each other while No Cash sung that song]
No Cash says - Hands up!
Other men respond - Don't shoot!
Hands up!
(Don't shoot!)
-snip-
Also, note that neither Samuel L. Jackson or No Cash clap their hands after singing the word "stop" as The Peace Poets did.
****
RELATED LINKS
Click https://twitter.com/joshtrujillo/status/597250670350110720 for a brief video of the "I Can't Breathe" song that was sung by Black Lives Matter marchers in Seattle, Washington (May 9, 2015).
Visit my civil rights song blog http://civilrightssongs.blogspot.com for lyrics, sound files, and videos of a number of 1960s civil rights songs (also known as "freedom songs").
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Two Songs About Rosa Parks (Lyrics, Videos, And More)
Edited by Azizi Powell
Neville Brothers - Sister Rosa
Uploaded by NevilleBrothersVEVO on Jun 16, 2009
-snip-
The Neville Brother's "Sister Rosa" song is one of two songs about civil rights icon Rosa Parks that are featured in this post. Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an African-American civil rights activist, whom the U.S. Congress called "the first lady of civil rights", and "the mother of the freedom movement". Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks for more biographical information about Rosa Parks.
In addition to the song "Sister Rosa", this post features a video, lyrics, and information about the song "Rosa Sat". This post also includes a video of the civil rights song "If You Miss Me In The Back Of The Bus", a song that certainly can be said to be a tribute to Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all others drum majors for justice in the United States civil rights movement of the 1960s.
This post is published for historical, educational, and aesthetic purposes. My thanks to all the composers of these featured songs. My thanks also to those who posted these videos and lyrics.
****
SISTER ROSA
(Neville Brothers)
December 1st,1955
our freedom movement came alive.
And because of Sister Rosa you know
we don't ride on the back
of the bus no more.
Now Sister Rosa,
she was tired one day
after a hard day on her job.
When all she wanted
was a well deserved rest
not a scene from an angry mob.
The bus driver said Lady you got to get up
cause a white person wants your seat
but Miss Rosa said, no, not no more
I'm gonna stay right here
and rest my feet.
Chorus:
Yeah, Thank you Miss Rosa,
you were the spark
that started our freedom movement.
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
The police came without fail
and took Sister Rosa off to jail
14 dollars was her fine.
Brother Martin Luther King
knew it was our time.
The people of Montgomery
sat down to talk.
It was decided that all God's
children should walk
until segregation was
brought to its knees
and we obtain freedom and equality.
Thank you Miss Rosa.
Chorus
So we dedicate this song to thee
for being a symbol of dignity.
Thank you Sister Rosa.
Chorus
From http://www.justsomelyrics.com/82325/Neville-Brothers-Sister-Rosa-Lyrics
****
ROSA SAT – A Song for Barack Obama
Uploaded by marsh820 on Jan 17, 2009
Written and performed by Amy Dixon-Kolar (c) 2008 Asharta Music/ASCAP. This was written a few days after November 4, 2008 and was inspired by the quote used as the chorus and the celebrations and photos of this historic day. Photographer Bernie Kleina was kind enough to give permission for me to use his photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the murals in the Pilsen area of Chicago.
Recorded December, 2008 by John Abbey, New Soup Studio, Chicago, IL
Thanks to Bernie Kleina, photographer: hopefair@aol.com, RosaParksfacts.com, BarackObama.com, GettyImages, USHistoryImages.org and others...
Amy Dixon-Kolar ©2008
Asharta Music/ASCAP
All Rights Reserved
-snip-
ROSA SAT
(Amy Dixon-Kolar)
Chorus:
Rosa sat so Martin could walk
Martin walked so Barack could run
Barack ran, he ran and he won
So that all our children could fly
Thousands of people that November night
All of us here who have fought the long fight
Knowing as one we’re creating a new nation
Join together in celebration
Chorus
Mother and daughter listenin’ to the news
Momma breaks down cryin’, little girl is confused
Honey we worked so hard to get to this place
Daughter puts a loving hand on momma’s face
Chorus
Mr. Obama all eyes turn to you
Share with the country what you’re gonna do
Wars and foreclosures surround us this year
But Yes We Can rise above our fears
Chorus (2x)
http://amydixonkolar.com/Lyrics.html
-snip-
THE QUOTE THAT INSPIRED THE SONG "ROSA SAT"
From http://www.papermag.com/blogs/2009/01/sourcing_the_quote_rosa_parks.php
"Sourcing The Quote Rosa Sat So Martin Could Walk; Martin Walked So Barack Could Run; Barack Ran So We Could All Fly
by David Hershovitzs; Jan. 23, 2009
Widely attributed to Jay-Z, this quote is becoming epic. And rightly so. It resonates with everyone who hears it...While it didn't originate from Jay, he did tweak it into a more manageable and rap-able sound bite. "He heard it somewhere... But can't remember the name," Jay's office reports. French philosopher Bernard-Henry Levy quoted it on [the] Charlie Rose [television show], but it didn't originate with him either. After looking around, I can say with some certainty that the now celebrated words were uttered by Cleo Fields, former Congressman and State Senator from Louisiana, while speaking in February last year. The original version goes like this:
"W.E.B. Dubois taught so that Rosa Parks could take a seat. Rosa took a seat so we all could take a stand. We all took a stand so that Martin Luther King Jr. could march. Martin marched so Jesse Jackson could run. Jesse ran so Obama could WIN."
****
Bonus Video:
If You Miss Me From The Back Of The Bus
Uploaded by SongsOfFreedomKids on Jan 18, 2008
Kids in 2008 learning about and singing the classic song from the US Civil Rights Movement. "If You Miss Me from the Back of the Bus" was written by Charles Neblett of the Freedom Singers to the tune of "O Mary Don't You Weep."
-snip-
Click http://cocojams.com/content/african-american-civil-rights-songs for lyrics to "If You Miss Me At The Back Of The Bus" and for more lyrics and videos of civil rights songs (freedom songs). Cocojams is Pancocojams' sister website.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Neville Brothers - Sister Rosa
Uploaded by NevilleBrothersVEVO on Jun 16, 2009
-snip-
The Neville Brother's "Sister Rosa" song is one of two songs about civil rights icon Rosa Parks that are featured in this post. Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an African-American civil rights activist, whom the U.S. Congress called "the first lady of civil rights", and "the mother of the freedom movement". Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks for more biographical information about Rosa Parks.
In addition to the song "Sister Rosa", this post features a video, lyrics, and information about the song "Rosa Sat". This post also includes a video of the civil rights song "If You Miss Me In The Back Of The Bus", a song that certainly can be said to be a tribute to Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all others drum majors for justice in the United States civil rights movement of the 1960s.
This post is published for historical, educational, and aesthetic purposes. My thanks to all the composers of these featured songs. My thanks also to those who posted these videos and lyrics.
****
SISTER ROSA
(Neville Brothers)
December 1st,1955
our freedom movement came alive.
And because of Sister Rosa you know
we don't ride on the back
of the bus no more.
Now Sister Rosa,
she was tired one day
after a hard day on her job.
When all she wanted
was a well deserved rest
not a scene from an angry mob.
The bus driver said Lady you got to get up
cause a white person wants your seat
but Miss Rosa said, no, not no more
I'm gonna stay right here
and rest my feet.
Chorus:
Yeah, Thank you Miss Rosa,
you were the spark
that started our freedom movement.
Thank you Sister Rosa Parks.
The police came without fail
and took Sister Rosa off to jail
14 dollars was her fine.
Brother Martin Luther King
knew it was our time.
The people of Montgomery
sat down to talk.
It was decided that all God's
children should walk
until segregation was
brought to its knees
and we obtain freedom and equality.
Thank you Miss Rosa.
Chorus
So we dedicate this song to thee
for being a symbol of dignity.
Thank you Sister Rosa.
Chorus
From http://www.justsomelyrics.com/82325/Neville-Brothers-Sister-Rosa-Lyrics
****
ROSA SAT – A Song for Barack Obama
Uploaded by marsh820 on Jan 17, 2009
Written and performed by Amy Dixon-Kolar (c) 2008 Asharta Music/ASCAP. This was written a few days after November 4, 2008 and was inspired by the quote used as the chorus and the celebrations and photos of this historic day. Photographer Bernie Kleina was kind enough to give permission for me to use his photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the murals in the Pilsen area of Chicago.
Recorded December, 2008 by John Abbey, New Soup Studio, Chicago, IL
Thanks to Bernie Kleina, photographer: hopefair@aol.com, RosaParksfacts.com, BarackObama.com, GettyImages, USHistoryImages.org and others...
Amy Dixon-Kolar ©2008
Asharta Music/ASCAP
All Rights Reserved
-snip-
ROSA SAT
(Amy Dixon-Kolar)
Chorus:
Rosa sat so Martin could walk
Martin walked so Barack could run
Barack ran, he ran and he won
So that all our children could fly
Thousands of people that November night
All of us here who have fought the long fight
Knowing as one we’re creating a new nation
Join together in celebration
Chorus
Mother and daughter listenin’ to the news
Momma breaks down cryin’, little girl is confused
Honey we worked so hard to get to this place
Daughter puts a loving hand on momma’s face
Chorus
Mr. Obama all eyes turn to you
Share with the country what you’re gonna do
Wars and foreclosures surround us this year
But Yes We Can rise above our fears
Chorus (2x)
http://amydixonkolar.com/Lyrics.html
-snip-
THE QUOTE THAT INSPIRED THE SONG "ROSA SAT"
From http://www.papermag.com/blogs/2009/01/sourcing_the_quote_rosa_parks.php
"Sourcing The Quote Rosa Sat So Martin Could Walk; Martin Walked So Barack Could Run; Barack Ran So We Could All Fly
by David Hershovitzs; Jan. 23, 2009
Widely attributed to Jay-Z, this quote is becoming epic. And rightly so. It resonates with everyone who hears it...While it didn't originate from Jay, he did tweak it into a more manageable and rap-able sound bite. "He heard it somewhere... But can't remember the name," Jay's office reports. French philosopher Bernard-Henry Levy quoted it on [the] Charlie Rose [television show], but it didn't originate with him either. After looking around, I can say with some certainty that the now celebrated words were uttered by Cleo Fields, former Congressman and State Senator from Louisiana, while speaking in February last year. The original version goes like this:
"W.E.B. Dubois taught so that Rosa Parks could take a seat. Rosa took a seat so we all could take a stand. We all took a stand so that Martin Luther King Jr. could march. Martin marched so Jesse Jackson could run. Jesse ran so Obama could WIN."
****
Bonus Video:
If You Miss Me From The Back Of The Bus
Uploaded by SongsOfFreedomKids on Jan 18, 2008
Kids in 2008 learning about and singing the classic song from the US Civil Rights Movement. "If You Miss Me from the Back of the Bus" was written by Charles Neblett of the Freedom Singers to the tune of "O Mary Don't You Weep."
-snip-
Click http://cocojams.com/content/african-american-civil-rights-songs for lyrics to "If You Miss Me At The Back Of The Bus" and for more lyrics and videos of civil rights songs (freedom songs). Cocojams is Pancocojams' sister website.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
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