H.E.R. Wrote A Song Calling For An End To Police Brutality Against Black People
In response to the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, people are doing all they can to bring attention to years of unchecked police brutality against Black people in the United States. They're protesting in the streets in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, signing petitions, and donating to organizations online, while educating themselves on issues regarding racism, inequality, and white privilege. Celebrities are also using their platforms to raise awareness about the BLM movement. On June 10, H.E.R. debuted a song called "I Can't Breathe" that honors the lives lost to police brutality. H.E.R.'s "I Can't Breathe" lyrics will make you so emotional because they call for change.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many concerts and other live events have either been canceled or postponed until next year. In an effort to bring people together during quarantine, iHeartRadio launched their Living Room Concert Series so fans can still enjoy musical performances from their favorite artists, like Thomas Rhett, Sam Smith, and Katy Perry.
To kick off her set on June 10, H.E.R. performed her affecting new song "I Can't Breathe." Floyd shouted those words while pinned to the ground under Derek Chauvin's knee for over eight minutes, and it's become a rally cry used by protesters in their fight to end racial injustice.
"These lyrics were kind of easy to write because it came from a conversation of what’s happening right now, what’s been happening, and the change that we need to see," H.E.R. said. "I think music is powerful when it comes to change and when it comes to healing and that’s why I wrote this song, to make a mark in history. And I hope this song does that."
Watch H.E.R.'s debut performance of "I Can't Breathe" below.
You can also read the lyrics below.
VERSE 1
Started a war screaming peace at the same time
All the corruption and injustice the same crimes
Always a problem if we do it
Don't find we don't have the same rights
What is a gun to a man that surrenders
What's it gonna take for someone to defend her
If we all agree that we're equal as people
Then why can't we see what is evil
CHORUS
I can’t breathe
You’re taking my life from me
I can't breathe
Will anyone fight for me
VERSE 2
How do we go when we don't love each other
Where is the hope and the empathy
How do we judge off the color
The structure was made to make us the enemy
Praying for change because the pain makes you tender
All of the names you refuse to remember
Was somebody’s brother or friend
Son to a mother that’s crying, saying
CHORUS
I can’t breathe
You’re taking my life from me
I can't breathe
Will anyone fight for me
H.E.R's performance no doubt left a great impact on viewers around the globe.
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