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Friedman: The Political Single/Side B

“The Constitution is worth saving, the rule of law is worth saving, democracy is worth saving, but these things can and will be lost if everyone waits around for someone else.”—Timothy D. Snyder

The B-side of my Political Single

We are living in dangerous times — politically and socially — and part of what makes them so dangerous is so many Americans are still unaware or unwilling to learn context and patterns from history. I wrote DREAM, and co-created the video, because I believe that music and visuals can offer a succinct and powerful way of underscoring what is happening in America and the world. At just 4 minutes in length, DREAM is not a podcast, not an editorial, it is but a song with or without a video. But, we know how powerfully images and music can resonate. Sometimes we can make a difference. I created and offer DREAM with this in mind. Thank you. — Joel Phillip Friedman (composer/lyricist). Special thanks for the talents of Alex Gallows (voice) and Scott Thureen (video).

Dream 
Words & Music by Joel Phillip Friedman

A
I had that dream last night, not the funny one,
Surrounded then, I vainly looked for light.
In darkness you said that it would be alright
“Nothing’s gonna happen, relax.”

B
“Somethings are best left alone,
Somethings are best left aside.
Somethings are best ever-unknown
Worrying now is such a, just a waste of time!”

A
It gathered ‘round, still underground
No one looked until it was too late.
Like so many you said: “leave it up to fate” 
But then I realized you hadn’t a fucking clue. 

B
“Everything” you said, “will be OK,”
“Everything will be alright, right?”
“Everything” you said, is “A-OK,”
“Someone will fix this, this sickness, it won’t spread very far!”

C
Then we woke up
Struggling for the light, wanting just to fight to breathe
Then you seemed so
Panicked at the thought that
Power used for naught could
Mangle what was good and
Strangle all we stood for, 
Oh no, Oh! Oh no, Oh! oh no!

a
I had that dream last night, not the funny one,
I saw it had begun,
I’m scared.

© 2021
Joel Phillip Friedman
Grey Bird Music

This project is supported in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.