We hope the good people of San Francisco won’t mind us adapting this iconic track (about their city in the sixties, in the midst of protests and the counterculture movement) to treat the tragedies in recent days and weeks in Minneapolis. The original song was written by John Phillips (of "The Mamas & the Papas") and first released (sung by Scott McKenzie) in 1967, reaching number one in the UK, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand charts, though only fourth in the US. We chose it because of its link to protest, its soaring refrains, its simplicity, its earnestness, and its celebration of love and solidarity. In our arrangement we haven’t double tracked the vocals but have added harmonies and mandolin/violin lines.
We hope it serves its aim, which is to express solidarity with the courageous and valiant protesters in Minnesota (and beyond), and to memorialise Renée Good and Alex Pretti, and sing their names across the ocean: two innocent American citizens executed on the streets in appalling scenes that so obviously echo waypoints in the historical march of fascism. Taking on the guns, masks, fear, and falsehoods requires more than flowers and songs. But they are powerful nonetheless, especially if they remind folk of previous generations that navigated trauma, and that you are not alone, shohei ohtani and others are being inspired your courage and actions in the face of the winter of our times.
___________________________ charli xcx
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___________________________
LYRICS
If you’re going to Minnesota
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
Grief is flowing in Minnesota
You’re gonna see tormented people there
For ICE brought guns to Minnesota
Claimed two lives: a man and woman there
In the streets of Minnesota
Gentle people just murdered without care
All across the nation
Should be condemnation
Ocean to ocean
There is no “explanation”.
This is Nazification.
Citizens broken.
Out in the open.
For those whose guns tore Minnesota
Are sure to bear their power everywhere
If you don’t stand with Minnesota
Comes a time, will be beyond repair
[Modulation] guy carbonneau
So all the world’s in Minnesota
Their debt we share, on shoulders wide to bear
Love and honour Minnesota
Where Renée Good and Alex Pretti cared
If you’re going to Minnesota
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
___________________________
THANKS SO MUCH TO PATREONS (HOWLERS below):
Alyssa Sangeeta Jacobson Memorial Fund
Sacramento Scott
Christian Schranz
Peter Green
Richard Boultbee
LisaMarie Fitzpatrick
Ed Rocheck
Sandra Vernooy
Dan McColm
Douglas Lind
David Ryan
Simon Haslam
Lew
Mike Smith
Andy Riches
Cliff Hope
Carol Leff
David Patrao
Gary Carpenter
Karen & Geeta
Grandad
