American Requiem

by Lemon Sparks

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about

The Uvalde school massacre was the catalyst for Chip Robinson rewriting the lyrics to Samuel Francis Smith's 1831 adaptation of God Save the King as “America” (more commonly known as 'My Country, ’Tis of Thee.')

Uvalde is — to put it simply — another predictable result of US lawmakers refusing to make much needed commonsense changes to legislation, and Chip's blood, like many, had boiled over. He posted his pointed rewrite on social media, and Jeff was so moved that he immediately started setting it to music.

After asking Chip for his blessing, we rushed into the studio with our old friend FJ Ventre, who really helped us shape the arrangement and production.

lyrics

My country tis of thee
Land full of stupidity
Of thee I scream

Land where the children die
Land where the mothers cry
From every single cold graveside
Hear the angels sing

My native country thee
Land of billionaire nobility
Of thee I grieve

While the stupid burn the truth
And profits climb through gentrified roofs
Sell your soul and count the loot
In your bloody sleeves

credits

released October 14, 2022
Greg Tourian: drums
Rick Lassiter: bass, flute, synth
Jeff Carroll: guitar, vocals, backing vocals, percussion
FJ Ventre: producer, engineer

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about

Lemon Sparks Raleigh, North Carolina

lemonspark.com The Winston-Salem Journal said the band’s self-titled debut is "...a brilliant pop confection brimming with infectious, well-crafted songs influenced by music of the late '60s and early '70s, including the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Who, Badfinger and Big Star." Power Pop News said, "...different from anything you've likely heard... yet, eerily familiar." ... more

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