There are so many senseless killings in America, especially ones involving schoolchildren and young teens. It's very troublesome because you start to become numb to the emotion. These atrocities are so normalized that it's hard to keep up with the victims. We try hard to remember and cherish their lives, but then more killings arise to divide our attention and sorrow.
Song Background:
Tamir Rice caught my attention, a young boy playing in the park with a toy pistol. That was me. That's what I did when I was 12. The video of the police shooting this everyday kid was disturbing. It stayed in my mind. Even as I watched from far away, it felt so near. Tamir Rice would have turned 20 years old this week. My son is 22.
Dedication:
I wrote this song for Tamir's family, especially his mother Samaria Rice. There's been some unsavory dealings in the aftermath of Tamir's death, so I just wanted to reach out and convey a more encouraging message. I apologize if the song fails to instil my intent.
Shout Out:
The Tamir Rice Foundation seeks to advocate for police reform by advocating to change laws and implement new policies. It also invests in the growth and enrichment of all children allowing them to express their truth to improve their lives as they grow into young adults.
Copyright Notice:
I present the song, Son of Ms. Rice, as a gift to Ms. Samaria Rice and release any copyright ownership to give her exclusive rights to use the song as she so wishes.
Gear:
DAW - Reaper Effects: Compression, EQ Guitar: Martin X-Series DX1RAE Strings: D'Addario Custom Light (.011 - .052) 80/20 Bronze Harmonica: Hohner Silver Star (G) Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020 Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Co-producer: Lucian Perera
Chords:
G - Cadd9 - G [Verse]
Lyrics:
It's cold outside in Cleveland And the snow's on the ground All my friends are home There's nobody else around I'm shooting up the bad guys Like I see on the TV show There's not much to do today So I play with my shadow Don't the neighbors know me? I'm the son of Ms. Rice I live in the neighborhood My family is real nice A dispatcher gets a call There's a juvenile with a gun He may be Black or white It could be anyone The caller says the pistol Is probably fake But the police roll up fast And make a fatal mistake Don't the neighbors know me? I'm the son of Ms. Rice I live in the neighborhood My family is real nice I'm just a little boy With an unfilled destiny There's really no reason To be scared of me Please do me a favor For my mom and family Help them to heal When you remember me Don't the neighbors know me? I'm the son of Ms. Rice I live in the neighborhood My family is real nice Don't the neighbors know me? I'm the son of Ms. Rice ************************************************ If you like the songs and/or essays, please help me distribute them by sharing and following me on Twitter and Substack. I appreciate your time, support and aid in this elderly endeavor.
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