Black Lives Matter: Silent, I Will No Longer Be - Free Music
Updated: May 3, 2021
In light of what's going on in our country, I've been writing and recording a lot of songs in the hope of raising awareness for the blatant systemic racism and police brutality against our African-American friends.
I know that this is not in the same magnitude as a well-known celebrity doing something similar but hey, everything counts at this point so I don't really care if my work is viewed by one person or a million. Everyone must do what they can.
Yesterday, Sheryl and I were at a #BlackLivesMatter protest in downtown Jersey City, which was attended by about 4,000 people. It was truly remarkable.
Anyway, as we chanted with our fellow protesters, we shared the experience live on our social media accounts and posted some photos as well. Soon enough, I received a direct message from an African-American friend of mine who asked if he could use some of my footage for something he is planning to do. Of course, I said yes. And then after I wished him well and told him to stay safe always, here's what he said:
"I am safe and well because my allies are safe and well."
That alone – that one line reply, makes everything worth it. If we can help amplify these issues and demand change in anything we do, even if it only reaches one person, do it.
Which brings me to this little blog of mine and the music that I produce. From now on, I will devote time and effort for this movement anyway I can. Because, silent, I can no longer be.
Words & Music by Ted Reyes
It’s hard to believe
All that I see
A blood-tainted road
A body on the floor
Thunderous shrieks
Enter my ear
A white hooded man
Holding a spear
Then the man asks as he screams
What about the color of your skin
I can’t breathe
I’m on the ground
Watching the world turning
Waiting ’till everything changes
Everything but the color of my skin
Unbroken chains
Spirits are torn
Slaves we were born
Slaves we remain
Free download here
Enjoy the music and please take some time to learn about racism, how to be anti-racist, African-American culture, and other related issues. You can also donate to Color of Change by clicking here.
Words and Music by Ted Reyes
I don’t know what’s happ’nin around here
the broken windows and the cities in flames
Deep inside me something is burning
There’s no one else for me to blame
It’s a lie!
It’s a game!
The time has come to scream your racist name
I’ll swing
I’ll slay/sway
There’s no a sign of hope for us in the future
Na na na! (swing!)
Na na na! (Slay)
Let’s kill the prejudice in your head!
You lit a match by killing the helpless
You’ve been doing this for a hundred years
You turned your back on the needy and hopeless
A warning shot, your destruction is near!
Tell me how does it feel? (I wonder)
to crush my neck under your knee?
Free download here
Enjoy the music and please take some time to learn about racism, how to be anti-racist, African-American culture, and other related issues. You can also donate to Black Lives Matter Global Network by clicking here.