Story Behind The Song
In late 2015, I was riding my bike through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and heard the phrase "sounding the alarm" in a song while listening to an old iPod. The phrase inspired writing six verses in short order but knew I'd forget them. So I used the tune 'My Darling Clementine' to remember the verses until I could write 'em down. It worked. The song was co-written by a great Atlanta songwriter, Chuck McDowell. I have a strong affection for Chuck and, though we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, we've maintained our bond while sniping at each other over social media.
Song Description
The title track from my album 'A Lone Voice' is certainly a nod to Sam Cooke's iconic civil rights song but updated to celebrate those who speak out, make a difference even when faced with consequences. Ot's written as a traditional folk song and sing-a-long. Back in late 2015 I was riding my bike through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and heard the phrase "sounding the alarm" in a song while listening to an old iPod. That phrase inspired six verses in short order but knew I'd forget them. So I used the tune 'My Darling Clementine' to remember the verses until I could write them down. It worked. The song was co-written by a great Atlanta songwriter, Chuck McDowell. I have a strong affection for Chuck and, though we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, we've maintained our bond while sniping at each other over social media.
| Song Length |
3:21 |
Genre |
Rock - Americana, Folk - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Glad, Pleased |
Subject |
Protest, Civil Rights |
| Similar Artists |
Billy Bragg, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Who am I?
A lone voice standing in a field.
They say no one will listen but
Change is gonna come.
Who am I?
Just one person with a camera on my phone
there's no place left to hide now
Change is gonna come
Chorus:
Change is gonna come, change is gonna come
All it takes is just your voice, And change is gonna come
Who am I?
Just a policeman breaking down the big blue wall?I may lose my job but
That change is gonna come
Who am I?
A politician who won't take those corporate funds
I may not get elected
Without some change from everyone
Chorus
Who am I?
Just a class clown pointing toward the truth
Providing catharsis
Now a change is going to come
Who am I?
Just a schoolgirl on a bus in Pakistan
The gun man's bullet didn't kill me
Now a change is going to come
Chorus
Who am I?
Just a tech nerd working for the NSA
Releasing all those secrets
And now that change is gonna come
Who are we?
but a few folks just sounding the alarm
Been a long time coming now and...
A change is gonna come
Chorus
Who am I but a lone voice...