A note from Tym Brown:
Frontlines came about a little over 3 years ago. Adam was effected by the image of numerous helicopters in the distance, circling the protests that were happening in Oakland. Through his music, the unrest of black lives being murdered and the outcry of my community led me to the lyrics you hear. I saw so many young kids standing on the frontlines in pain, echoing the pleas of their ancestors. And still to not much avail. Tragically, years later these words are still poignant and relevant.
Since the World outcry about the murder of George Floyd, we’ve started to see a shift. The fight for justice and equality is at an all time high. People are starting to realize that we’re not that different. Our purpose for this video is to ignite change, inspire your voice to be awakened and offer hope for our future generations. And to the lives lost, we speak your names. May we all continue to stand on the Frontlines of this revolution. Black Lives Matter.
Alton Sterling
Michael Brown
George Floyd
Breonna Taylor
Tamir Rice
Dontre Hamilton
Botham Jean
Aiyana Stanley-Jones
Atatiana Jefferson
David McAtee
Emantic Bradford Jr.
Freddie Gray
Terrance Crutcher
Jordan Edwards
Ahmaud Arbery
Sandra Bland
Eric Garner
Philando Castille
Stephon Clark
John Crawford III
Trayvon Martin
Jordan Davis
lyrics
Heard the thrumpin'
And the hummin'
Of the helicopter comin'
Must be sumthin'
Unbecomin’
My perception’s obstructed
Last time I heard it
Was the verdict
That was blurted
On the circuit
When our justice was deserted
And the city erupted
To be honest I’m afraid of what lies around the bend
Is it danger? Is it trouble again?
I can’t take another breach of freedom against a friend
My people, my kin
Oh look at the babies on the front line (Oh)
(Are we standing on the front lines)
(On the front lines, yeah)
Oh is this a sign of the times (Oh)
(Are we gonna heed the sign)
(Sign of the times, of the times)
So many cases
Different faces
Where my race is
Being chased
We can’t eradicate the pace
If the intention is powered
If you’re a hero it don’t matter
They won’t see you through the chatter
But the melanin will shatter
At the hands of a coward
To be honest I’m afraid of what lies around the bend
Is it anger? Or a riot again?
I can’t take another plea of “he scared me” against my kin, my brother, will it end?
CHORUS
(Insert Mani Draper)
You got a voice so use it
Don’t be afraid to do it
You want the change, pursue it
(We no joke)
(We woke folk)
Don’t turn your head you saw it
Don’t let the fear withdraw it
C’mon embrace the raucous
(We no joke)
(We woke folk)
They see ya stance is solid
Determination you got it
We bout it
(We no joke, we woke folk)
(We no joke, we woke folk)
(We no joke, we woke folk)
CHORUS
(We no joke, we woke folk)
4x
Keep Striving
credits
from Say Something, Do Something,
track released June 10, 2020
Produced by Adam Theis
Lyrics by: Tym Brown, Mani Draper (Rap)
Background vocal arrangement by: Trance Thompson Music arranged by Adam Theis
Tym Brown - lead vocals
Mani Draper - rap vocals
Trance Thompson - backing vocals
Travis Anthony Thompson -backing Vocals
Adam Theis - trombone, trumpet, synths, drum programming
Jazz Mafia is a collective of adventurous musicians, composers and producers. Our music, media, and curated experiences fuse elements of joy, mystery, and wonder, intended to make you move and make you think.
