We Are One!

I wrote this piece in response to the #BlackLivesMatter Protests across the United States and world during the early summer of 2020. The extreme extent of peaceful protests and violent riots demonstrated the desperate need for change in a way I had not witnessed before. I knew quickly that I wanted to write music in some sort of response to the situation, but I struggled at first to find my voice within the movement. I am a white male and have experienced the privilege that comes with it. No matter how much I sympathized or understood the struggles of minorities in our culture, I knew I could not possibly bring the full meaning of it through my music, as I could never really experience the trials they have faced constantly for so long. So instead I decided to write words and music that reflected how I hoped things would be going forward after this movement. I wanted this to be an anthem for those who have suffered through real oppression, in any form. While there are some religious undertones in the text I chose, I tried to find words that could resonate with anyone, reaching beyond color, culture, belief, orientation, age, or any other dividing label. I tried to write in regard to one thing we all have in common, humanity. I hope I was able to accomplish this. The anthem can be done in parts or unison or as a solo. It can also be done with or without accompaniment.