This is long, but PLEASE give it a read, and a listen to the linked track.
I wrote this song a few years ago after reading about the murder of
Emmett Till.
Read his story on Wikipedia.
The song refers to the shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012
by a police-wannabe in Sanford, FL.
Also referenced is the
2014 Salt Lake City police killing of unarmed Dillon Taylor,
who was dressed in "urban" style and was identified as
"non-white" in police reports.
Now, in June 2020, I dedicate this to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery,
Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Laquan McDonald... and Emmett Till...
and if you think these are isolated incidents, just Google,
"Black man killed by police". There's an entire Wikipedia page
which lists
ONLY those killed in the month of August of 2014.
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Prince of Darkness, Fire and Fury
Who made Lucifer judge and jury
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
In the early morning hours, deep in the city
It's hard to find pride, but you won't find pity
It's a very fine line when you're trying to get by
Between right and wrong, between truth and a lie
Black and white pulled up - there was noise and confusion
Hands in his pockets, they jumped a conclusion
They shouted to stop, but he started to run
The gavel came down with barrel of a gun.
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Prince of Darkness, Fire and Fury
Who made Lucifer judge and jury
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Only seventeen and staying alone
Coming home from a trip to the Corner Store
Skittles in his pocket, drink in his hand,
Gray hoodie pulled up, he was confronted by a man.
"Up to no good", that man surmised
So he chased and engaged - not what he was advised.
Standing his ground is what he pled.
When the Gavel came down it was burning lead.
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
|Prince of Darkness, Fire and Fury
Who made Lucifer judge and jury
Who put the gavel in the devil's hands
©Words and Music 2017 By Jim Stringer