1971 and I was 9, living an almost idyllic childhood, deeply loved and sheltered from the world and news of the Vietnam War, riots, racism, and rising feminism. But that summer, the protest lyrics and subversive rhythms that began drifting through the car window at stop lights, on the radio at a friend’s pajama party, played in local shops and diners … all of that stirred a slow, steady awakening within my soul. I memorized every word of “One Tin Soldier” by Lambert & Potter. I danced wildly to Edwin Starr’s “War” as if I understood the rage behind his voice. And Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind” was the very first song I learned to play on guitar. I wept real tears when I sang it.
But I was taught to entertain or be silent; never to protest, and it would be decades before I became uncomfortably comfortable with singing my truth and tears and rage. Today, I think a lot about those protest songs from my youth and how music, protest and activism work together so powerfully to create change. I avoided writing or recording anything “divisive” for years in an attempt to unite community. And I am grateful that that very same community of friends and family have shown me that there are very good reasons to raise my voice, to shout, even to sing my anger. And as a Pagan musician, I have discovered that writing and sharing songs that reflect the truth of the world around me is indeed part of my spiritual path.
The Red Album
When I was asked to participate in the creation of The Red Album: Pagan Voices for Reproductive Rights, I knew that this was an opportunity not just to protest the 6/24/2023 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, but to present a unified call to action and help fund organizations who would direct the sales proceeds of the album to those who needed resources in obtaining reproductive healthcare. I knew I was outraged by the Supreme Court’s decision, but I had no idea how much I had been suppressing that anger until I began to write “Revolution,” my contribution to The Red Album. The wave of fury that
was revealed as I began to write, multiplied by millions who have lost their bodily autonomy, was a hurricane, a flood, a cyclone, a wildfire, a source of pure energy that could force a revolution. Was there trepidation over revealing my anger in such a public way? Absolutely.
But I felt the support of every single artist/band on the album who have shared their passion for this cause through music, protest and activism. To listen to and purchase digital downloads of The Red Album, and learn about all 19 Pagan artists/bands, and the organizations that we support, please go to redalbum.org.
A Lullaby
As a songwriter, I process my world and my emotions with my guitar in my lap, pen and paper ready, waiting for my heart to find the song that must be heard. My son participated in early active shooter drills, and we lived with that threat for years, wrapping our fear tightly within, wishing it away. The horrific massacre at the elementary school in Uvalde, TX in May 2022 left me feeling powerless, with the echo of our fear from all those years ago. If ever there was a time to raise my voice, this was surely that moment. Still, when I wrote “Uvalde Lullaby” – little ones being shushed, parents not knowing if their children were alive or dead – I never intended to share the song with anyone. It was for me to play and weep alone. But my Muse had other plans. One of the most frightening moments of my 2023 concerts has been singing this lullaby and holding space for all our collective discomfort, deep silence and tears.
After a recent fireside concert, several of us talked into the night, venting about the world we find so difficult to navigate. And then someone asked, “So what can we do? We feel we have no agency, but we are powerful, right? What is one thing each of us can do?” Crones, Sages, adults and teens joined the conversation. We found encouragement to do one thing, and I learned how one song can bring folks together to find solutions. After another concert, someone shared, “I don’t think I am the same person I was before hearing that song.” Playing Uvalde Lullaby publicly goes against everything I learned as a child and as a young entertainer, and I am grateful for a spiritual path and a community that supports me, even in the most difficult endeavors.
A Battle for the Moon and Overcoming Fear
“Battle For the Moon” is a story of Nine Toes the Bard, singing every day upon a battlefield between two armies to forestall the pending war. She sings full moon to full moon, and no one raises a sword for 28 days. Weak and worn, she finally steps off the field, and the slaughter occurs in spite of all she has done. She feels she made no difference, but one soldier has followed her away from the battle and dropped his sword.
I was once compelled to sing this song for a Pagan Spirit Gathering Morning Meeting (usually a time of fun and merriment) by Nine Toes herself. She whispered, “Let me,” and she sang and then abandoned me on the last line to deal with the incredible silence that hung in the air as the meeting dispersed. I felt as though I had made a horrible mistake. That afternoon many folks dropped by my booth to tell me that they didn’t know what to do after that song. Applause did not feel appropriate. But they shared how much they were moved and that it had made a difference. Again, my community was allowing me the space and their encouragement as I sang with and through my fear.
Activism Through Music
As I grow on my spiritual path as a Pagan Bard, I am learning to speak truth, to protest, to risk the performance for these moments of clarity, and to sing even if my voice shakes. Indeed, my voice and my will grow stronger daily. I hear our young Pagan voices and they inspire me to do better. I am aware of the support of my friends who are expressing their truth. I honor my elders who have fought this fight before, and hear their wisdom. I know that the “one thing” that I can do is to allow my Muse to work through me, sharing music, passion, protest and calls to action with all who listen.
While this blog post is centered on my personal journey as a Pagan Bard, please read this excellent Pagan Song post from 4/7/2022, Singing for Social Justice by Tara Kreauweaumonn, which shares a wealth of information and links regarding American and Pagan protest music.
Pagan Song hosts an information page about The Red Album, which you can find here.
For more information about Mama Gina, including her collected articles here on Pagan Song, her bio, and links to Gina’s sites on the web, check out Gina’s page on Pagan Song.
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