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Stoneman
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9/7/2013 1:23:47 AM
Will Somebody Sing
"Sing" in this song it is a play on a double meaning word. To sing meaning to inform or rat on criminals. Where I come from the most despised entities in the neighborhood were known police informants. They usually didn't live long because someone would surely kill them in retaliation for cooperating with the police. People who killed informants were basically forgiven by the community because it was a common thought that they had it coming to them. As a matter of fact, the police were mostly considered to be the enemy because they were so corrupt and racist. They were the last ones to get called in times of emergency as they often would arrest or kill the wrong people. Innocent people were beaten to death and the police would say it was an accident or mistaken identity. Most times we handled problems on our own and then kept our mouths shut about it. It was the unspoken rule but it was a rule that we all followed. It was the way of life in South Central Los Angeles where some of the most notoriously corrupt police departments were/are.
But now days there are so many senseless murders that go unsolved. It has caused me to take a second look at the police and to recognize them as sometimes being a necessary evil. They serve a purpose much bigger than my past perceptions. Children are being killed as they get caught in the crossfire. Gangs are in a street war where daily battles are being waged while the funding for police and protection dries up due to economic crisis. The reality is that citizens must now stand up and report what they have seen if we want any justice to prevail. Those who are brave enough must sing but they also must be smart enough to run for their lives once they have fingered the guilty culprits. Once they become a willing witness, their lives are in extreme danger. This song is about this dicey dilemma. Oakland (The murder capital of California) San Jose and Richmond are right down the freeway from the peaceful town I now live in. In order for these cities to regain safe neighborhoods and streets, someone has to start singing. Will somebody sing? If so, don't forget to run for your life.
<<>>Will Somebody Sing <<>>
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sandpainters
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9/7/2013 9:11:08 AM
really good lyrics from someone who has seen it first hand I'd say
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Stoneman
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9/7/2013 2:48:46 PM
Thanks a lot for listening and for your kind words!
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Shoe City Sound
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9/9/2013 8:52:54 AM
So many Stoneman songs are important comments on what happens here where we all live - Life on Planet Earth. I saw a PBS show about the neighborhoods you mention. They were making the point that it really is like a little country within our country with it's own set of rules of survival. Also, they made the same point about the police, and pointed out how hard it is for people to leave that environment with no resources (ie money and law enforcement) It was shocking to me that some kids are brought up thinking that is the way the world is. The ocean isn't far away, but they've never even seen it. So yeah, tough to say what you'd do if you were asked to sing.
Plus the whole concept has sure gotten global with Bradley Manning and Ed Snowden. Seems like they had the courage to sing and both realized what the consequences would be.
I gotta believe the truth is best no matter what ... but it's not always easy
I really admire how you always sing (literally) about what's happening, Stoneman. People have to be aware of these things, and if it's by way of a good tune they're more likely to pay attention.
D
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Stoneman
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9/10/2013 10:30:23 AM
Yes, that is all so very true Delores. Thank you so much for your kind words about my work and your astute observations about my continous attempts to communicate about real life problems and solutions through my music. No matter how many awards or accolades an artist may get, the ultimate complement is when something you do causes someone to think about making positive changes in their lives. I pray about that daily.
Of course I also write and produce fun stuff that encourages people to dance and celibrate life. This to is very important to me. I continue to search for a musical balance. Love, joy, sorrow and pain are all imporant in what I do. Back home we call it bringing the "Real".
Much Thanks and Respect To You D.
Stoneman
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