Photo: Amanda Charchian
This week, Guy Blakeslee (who records for Thrill Jockey as ENTRANCE) released a single titled “Not Gonna’ Say Your Name.” The song protests Friday’s presidential inauguration (lyrics below). Proceeds from downloads and streams benefit Planned Parenthood. On Valentine’s Day, he will be playing on a benefit concert for the organization (details below).
Blakeslee penned an article for Talkhouse in which he discusses the genesis of the song. It also includes a well-curated playlist of protest songs that you can hear in full on Spotify.
“Not Gonna say Your Name”
by Guy Blakeslee
There are people who say
we oughta give you a chance
but there’s not a chance in hell
we’re gonna sit back and watch you try to turn back the clock
and just sigh and say “oh well”
No, we’ll fight you every step of the way
you’re playing a losing game
and you’ll be the one with nothing to say
but I’m not gonna say our name
I’m sick of your name,
I’ve heard it enough
I’d rather not hear it anymore
but you’re wrong if you think we’re gonna look the other way
while you kick our friends to the floor
Though it’s hard to accept you’re really here to stay
I know our culture is obsessed with fame
I might have to see your face a hundred times every day
but I’m not gonna say your name
you let your name
be a symbol of hate
and you never said a word
anything you say now is too little too late
it’s pathetic and absurd
now the voices of hate are getting louder each day
they’re all looking for someone to blame
but I’m gonna keep singing for love anyway
and I’m not gonna say your name
tell me don’t you have a mother?
a daughter, a wife?
Man, you really oughta be ashamed
you brag about grabbing what gave you your life
you must really think life is a game
when I called up my mother,
we were both in tears
cuz nothing will ever be the same
but we won’t move away, we will stay right here
and we’re not gonna say your name
Christian B. Carey 