We Save Us
Skirmish: Rescue (@atornberg)
Liner Notes
I started the skirmish about 20 minutes late; got the writing done before the end of the hour but then had to sit through an excruciating 90 minute meeting before I could record.
Anyway, I knew immediately where I wanted to go with this when I saw the prompt, and I'm reasonably pleased with how this one came together. I don't know that it's finished-finished, but it's good enough for FAWM!
Defund and dismantle ICE; may we work to replace all systems of oppression with new systems rooted in care.
#FolkPunk #Protest #Minneapolis #PersonWithGuitar #AcousticOneTake
Lyrics
They hide behind their masks and guns Stealing children, families come undone Spread terror in our streets Whine about quotas to complete
Yes, the systems need to change But we don't have the time time to wait Or sit around and watch things burn Through the horror we have learned To take care of our neighbors Do the best with what we've got 'Cause when it's said and done We save us
Tear gas seeping under doors More often than it was before We hear the helicopters drone The mad king orders from his throne
Yes, the systems need to change But we don't have the time time to wait Or sit around and watch things burn Through the horror we have learned To take care of our neighbors Do the best with what we've got 'Cause when it's said and done We save us
Families afraid and hiding It's not safe to go outside As landlords threaten to evict They don't care about the risk
Yes, the systems need to change But we don't have the time time to wait Or sit around and watch things burn Through the horror we have learned To take care of our neighbors Do the best with what we've got 'Cause when it's said and done We save us
Comments
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You've been writing such great songs this month! (quality AND quantity). Obviously an important topic, but you underpin it with stark poetry -- the rhythm of the lines under that driving guitar is powerful. That chorus is glorious -- and the melody signals an excellent change from the verses. (also I like the short rhythm of "we save us"). Also "the mad king orders from his throne" is perfect.
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Love this. Exclamation points seem inappropriate on such a serious song. The driving guitar offers a great contrast to your gentle vocals. And that stop and the brief but powerful 'we save us' is sooooo satisfying.
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Ahhh so so good! I love the tune and it also really captures the weight and balance between the immediate life-threatening crises that need intervention and help and the longer term systemic change. Really nice work.
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This is my favorite from you this year if you don't mind my saying so - such a real and important message right now, and I also love the chord you have under "when it's said and done"
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Message loud n clear, from here it truly seems unbelievable, we are scratching our heads. This is what I call soft shouting. Very well said and done!
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I can't imagine what it's like to live in Minneapolis right now. Y'all are always in my thoughts.
Very moving. I love the message that we save us. Can definitely hear the punk sensibility in the phrasing (and community care is very punk)
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It is a weird and wild time, for sure, even up by us where it's been relatively quiet. I've had the "we save us" line in my head for weeks, though - that's been the gorgeous thing that I keep looking at amidst The Horrors. People are really showing up for each other. Community care IS punk!
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I am absolutely with you on this message! Great and timely! We need more protest songs! I think the #folkpunk tag was appropriate, but I would suggest you could punkify the performance when you have time to perform and record with less pressure to finish. This could easily move into a punk milieu. I really enjoyed this! Thanks!
I also LOVE the way you just add "we save us" as an ending to the last lines. It punctuates it so well!
Thank you for the prompt! I'd love to punkify this one further, I've been on a bit of a folkpunk kick so far this FAWM, which is outside my usual comfort zone, but then, the time seems to call for it!
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I like the hope in the chorus. We are the ones making change happen. Not politicians. Not the media. Not the legal folks. We, the people.
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Hi Alyx, I really love your song. The lyrics are powerful, the chord progressions are varied and catchy, and it has a strong melody. I was getting Such Great Heights vibes during the verses :-) My family and I were in Minneapolis last summer for a music convention in July. It's been heartbreaking to see what you folks are enduring right now. I live near Philly and word on the street is ICE is heading our way next. We are inspired by you and will be following your advice. This song would be a perfect blueprint. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Stay safe and stay strong.
Thank you so much! We're thinking of y'all in Philly as well.
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Sad and hopeful, both in lyrics and your gentle voice. I really like the sentiment about not having time for system change, caring for our neighbors and "we save us." Lovely work!