[Note from Tikkun and the Network of Spiritual Progressives: We stand in alliance with African Americans and others who are challenging empty rituals like The Star-Spangled Banner written by a racist slave owner. We share this rewrite in that spirit. We welcome others sharing their rewrites of The Star-Spangled Banner with us and if you are ok with us posting yours on this site orTikkun.org, send them to us atari@tikkun.org. This post has been updated with changes by the author.]
O say can you see
Why we’re stuck in this plight
Look close at who’s jailed
Or whose stocks are still gleaning
Whose broad stripes behind bars
Shout to challenge the “right”
Of a system so botched
“Free at last” is just dreaming
Will our sharp racist glares
Ever burst in mid-air
Let’s prove that this night
Will not end in despair
O say can you imagine
A star-spangled revolution
Where we’re ALL truly free
And with Kindness be brave
– Drue BeDo
Nice rewrite……….the melody is easy enough……I hope there will be more coming……
I read this right after I read the article by Tony Scruggs on” Insight” … how tragic and saddens I feel… Hate destroys one from within…