US (a Requiem on Violence)
From 1998 ::: We must review and examine our hearts and make the changes necessary for the healing our land. The answers are within "US". Featuring: Reid Anderson of The Bad Plus
Inspiring Productions from EDENintheDESERT aka Brother EDEN Douglas. Seeker of Light, Speaker of Truth, Vessel of Wisdom, Visionary of Love. Sacred Soul. Spirit
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Story behind the song
This lyric was written in Jan. 97, following the murder of Ennis Cosby. I was so troubled, as many, that someone with so much to offer and supported by a loving family could die such a senseless and violent death. I was so sadden by the words that I didn't 'hear' a tune for it until Oct.98 when I received the song on a late sunday afternoon, sitting in my backyard. I heard my ancestors singing in the plantation fields, healing their broken spirits and wills. And, immediately, I knew the song to be a spiritual. Reid Anderson (Noble Pursuit), bassist, was the only musician I considered for the tasteful task of interpreting my vocals. We did this song in one take at Hillside Sound Studios in Englewood, NJ.
My soul knows that this tune is especially appropiate now, more than ever, with the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado and the cop-shooting and officers' acquittals of Amadou Diallo in New York.
Violence is timeless.
Teach us Lord, Your Way, THIS DAY. Amen
Lyrics
US (A Requiem on Violence)
(Brother EDEN Douglas/ Reid Anderson)
Dedicated to the memories of Ennis COSBY, Isaiah Shoels (Columbine High) and Amadou Diallo (NYC).
{Young souls that departed much too soon.}
I read a sad story in the news today,
About a young man I wish I knew.
So needlessly murdered in the prime of life,
Robbed of his youth.
The story went on to say that he had plans to change his world.
Endowed with a special burden,
A unique gift,
A rare precious pearl.
Pearls of wisdom,
Blessed by God and still he had to leave.
Not of his choice,
But better still,
In order for US to truly believe
That violence is not the way.
Hate has seen its day.
In order for US to learn,
Understand His love, discern.
(Repeat)
We had better stop the shouting,
Thinking we know what we do not.
Give God our hearts,
Stop doubting.
Step forth.
Come out of the dark.
There can be no other way,
To change all that we know is wrong.
Only a Love far greater
Than that which we know can make US strong.
In this land of shattered dreams,
evil knows no bounds.
Its hard to stay encouraged,
To stand your ground.
But violence cannot be the way,
Hate in US must cease, this day.
We have no choice but to learn
That from evil, We must turn.
We must repent from despair
Extend our hands, show we care.
Its the only way for US to live,
Another legacy that we must give.
Violence cannot be the only way.
Teach US, Lord,
Your love,
In this day.
(c)1998 - EdenDust Publishing / Dirty Showtunes Music (BMI)
Produced by Brother Douglas and Reid Anderson
Recorded by Danny Kadar at Hillside Sound Studio, Englewood, NJ
Assisted by Dave Kowalski
Bass: Reid Anderson
Vocals: BrotherDouglas
