Story Behind The Song
Inspired by a motrocade around Capitol Square in Madison, WI. Cars were honking out the "Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like" chant, in call and response, on their horns. The rhythm of it stayed with me. This song jumped out and wrote itself down when I got home that evening.
Song Description
It was written during the protests in madison, WI in February of 2011 to the, now, popular chant. I'm going back into the studio to re-record the first verse to extend its topical lifespan. The new first verse will be:
"It started out on Wall Street,
And then speard out to all streets;
Columbus, Philadelphia, and cities 'round the world."
The video for this song was shown at San Fransisco's LaborFest on July 9th, 2010.
| Song Length |
2:46 |
Genre |
Rock - Alternative, Folk - Alternative |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Heated, Outraged |
Subject |
Power, Justice |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Tell Me What Democracy Looks Like
by Stephen Lee Rich and Sandy Andina
1) In Madison, Wisconsin
There's something goin' on, son.
Indiana and in Michigan
And Boise, Idaho
Chorus:
(They're sayin'...)
Tell me what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy looks like! 4X
2) The party that's in power
In states across the nation
Find new ways every hour
To repeal civilization.
There are people in the streets
Who won't let this go down
They're taking back the power
To turn this back around.
Chorus: (They're shouting..)
3) Come on everybody
There's no time to wait.
We set the agenda!
We run the debate
Chorus: (Shout with us...)
Bridge (and counterpoint):
Parents & teachers,
Nurses & patients,
Civilians, policemen,
We own this nation.
Public and private
Workers, raise your voices
Don't let 'em crush us.
We'll make our own choices