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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Blues: oppression and expression


Progressive politics and culture in Canada is going into a four-year-long dark night. The modern conservative movement is about authoritarian leadership and non-questioning obedience. Our challenge is to stick to our principles, stand up, express ourselves, and take action.

I draw a great deal of inspiration from the blues and the freedom songs of gospel music. These expressions poured out of the horrific conditions of the African-American people—conditions unimaginably worse than what Canadian culture will soon be exposed to.

They did not give up, and nor will we. It’s time to be vigilant, expressive, and active. Here are the lyrics from a blues that we recorded April 23, 2011.

Ain’t Gonna 
© January 2005 Sam Turton

Ain’t gonna
Ain’t gonna

Ain’t gonna hide anymore
Ain’t gonna hide anymore
I’m gonna stand up tall
I’m gonna say it all
Ain’t gonna hide anymore

Ain’t gonna
Ain’t gonna

Ain’t gonna pretend anymore
Ain’t gonna pretend anymore
I’m gonna lose this mask
I’m gonna jump off the track
Ain’t gonna pretend anymore

Ain’t gonna
Ain’t gonna

Ain’t gonna deny anymore
Ain’t gonna deny anymore
Let it all hang out
I’m gonna scream and shout
Ain’t gonna deny anymore

Ain’t gonna
Ain’t gonna

Ain’t gonna take it anymore
Ain’t gonna take it anymore
Ain’t gonna be your pawn
Ain’t gonna work this job
Ain’t gonna take it anymore

Ain’t gonna take it
Ain’t gonna take it
Ain’t gonna take it

Ain’t gonna




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