Patronski has been writing this powerful song for weeks — the sound of Admiral Bob’s emotive guitar has been playing in my second mind each night when I sleep. I’m humbled to give voice to Patronski’s words and melody on this important subject. There were many tears shed while I was recording.

I only did a little editing of Admiral’s stems — some cutting and pasting (really enjoyed working with the electric in the solo sections), treating and made a fade on the end. I also played piano and synth strings and have uploaded those stems. Mixing was a challenge for me, and I’ve been futzing with levels and bounces each day for well over a week.

I’m hopeful this movement will bring about real change, and that as a human family we will not fall back into complacency. We can do better, and I am trying.

Black Lives Matter!!!

8:46
by Patronski

There’s people cryin’
There’s people lyin’
There’s people dyin’
On our streets every day

We’ve got to stand up
Stand up for what is right
Knock down the walls in front of us
And walk straight toward the light

Change can’t happen ‘til you change your mind
Change can’t happen if you’re color blind
System’s gotta change to heal this time
We see you, hear you, we’re guilty of this crime

It’s systemic
A global endemic
This racial pandemic
Must end here today

Ships with shackles down below
Twenty score and one year ago
For these sins we must all atone
8:46 is carved in stone

Change can’t happen ‘til you change your mind
Change can’t happen if you’re color blind
System’s gotta change to heal this time
We see you, hear you, we’re guilty of this crime
Protesters marching down main street
Armed with signs for humanity
While the bullets fly and the tear gas flows
Attitudes shift as our consciousness grows

History books don’t tell the truth
Of the evil we have brought to you
The pain and blood that you’ve endured
Is a debt too great and overdue
How much longer do we turn a blind eye
To the screams in the night and the battle cries
Centuries of abuse gotta come to an end
Time to unify, Black Lives Matter

Transformation
Transmutation
Transfiguration
For redemption I pray

A crack in the wall, exposes a light
This sickness ain’t black, yea it is white
A window opens, the world ignites
Raise a fist to all unite

Change can’t happen ‘til you change your mind
Change can’t happen if you’re color blind
System’s gotta change to heal this time
We see you, hear you, we’re guilty of this crime
Protesters marching down main street
Armed with signs for humanity
While the bullets fly and the tear gas flows
Attitudes shift as our consciousness grows

Black Lives Matter
Yea, Black Lives Matter
Protestors marching down main street
(Black Lives Matter)
Armed with signs for humanity
(Black Lives Matter)
While the bullets fly and the tear gas flows
(Black Lives Matter)
Attitudes shift as our consciousness grows
(Black Lives Matter)
How much longer do we turn a blind eye
(Black Lives Matter)
Time to unify
(Black Lives Matter)