31. Movin' left

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And now for something completely different: A political rally song! Content inspired by political events in my country during 2016~2018. Style inspired by the rich legacies of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Text: Peter Bird, 2018:

At the first Thanksgiving feast, the Wampanoag brought meat
To add to the Pilgrim’s humble corn.
So they built the table longer, and the Spirit it got stronger,
And a national metaphor was born.

So they were: Movin’ Left …, Movin’ Left ….
Had to include every woman and man!
Yes, they were: Movin’ Left…., Movin’ Left;
Helping each to become all they can.

Now a big man comes to town, with his fat-cat friends around,
Saying, “Time to end the tax-man’s bite!”
“Private property is king; it’s the most important thing;”
“And exploiting the poor is our right!”

Well then, I’m: Movin’ Left …, Movin’ Left ….
Got to respect every woman and man!
Oh yes, I’m: Movin’ Left…., Movin’ Left;
Helping each to become all they can.

Then La Migra comes to town, and they take some brothers down;
And the ICE men come for the children,
Sayin’, “No, it isn’t fun; but the sorting must be done,”
“’Cause America is right when it’s white!”

Well then, I’m: Movin’ Left …, Movin’ Left ….
Got to respect every woman and man!
Oh yes, I’m: Movin’ Left…., Movin’ Left;
Helping each to become all they can.

Now they’ve dug a mighty hole, and they’re burning all the coal,
In a furnace with a Hellish light,
And the e-lec-tri-ci-ty, which they sell you for a fee,
Makes their air-conditioning hum through the night.

But now we’re: Movin’ Left …, Movin’ Left ….
Got to respect every species around!
Oh yes, we’re: Movin’ Left…., Movin’ Left;
Helping all to survive and rebound.

Back when Jesus was a-preachin’, he said rich men who are reachin’
Up to Heaven face a tiny cleft.
He said, “Blessed are the poor”; they may enter by the door.
This was written from the right to the left.

So we are: Movin’ Left …, Movin’ Left ….
Got to respect every woman and man!
Oh yes, we're: Movin’ Left…., Movin’ Left;
Helping each to become all they can.

Musicians: Lead singer (baritone or mezzo-soprano), backup singers (SATB?), fiddle, banjo, & electric bass.
Instrumental parts: Fiddle     Banjo     Electric bass
The audience may wish to sing along on the choruses.

Length: 3:45