Album Notes

While the Occupy Song speaks to current events, the song was years in the making. As someone who admires and respects those who spoke out with protest songs in the 1960’s, I was initially inspired to put pen to paper by Jesse Jackson and his run for the presidency in 1988. In his “Keep Hope Alive” speech, Jackson spoke about those suffering without adequate health care, without jobs and without homes. He spoke about the divide between the haves and the have-nots and the political system’s failure to address the social issues of that time.

Today we face many of the same problems and the Occupy Movement is forcing the country to re-examine income inequality; illegal and immoral business practices; collusion between corporations, lobbyists and government; and the corruption of the political system due to campaign contributions.

The song is a call to action, inviting people to think about what they are doing to try to make their communities and the nation more just, more peaceful, and more loving.

When Occupy Charlottesville, Virginia, put on its website that the campers in Lee Park needed a firepit to replace one that had broken, I donated mine. I played the Occupy Song and others around the fire, including on the night when 18 occupiers were arrested for staying in the park after the occupation permit expired. It was then that Firepit Mike was born.

We can change the world, my friend.