Gather Round
Brother Ali feat. Amir Sulaiman Lyrics

Ain't no stopping the calling I'm a warrior scholar
I am determined to continue the work I've been called to do, as someone who is both a fighter and a scholar.

With the pad and the pen or with the sword and the chopper
I can use my words or my physical strength to achieve my goals.

Look at how far I got if you lost I could guide you
I have come a long way and can help others who may feel lost on their journeys.

In between two extremes like Safa and Marwa
I exist in the space between two opposing viewpoints or ideologies, like the two hills of Safa and Marwa in Islamic tradition.

In the desert like Bedouins in search of water
We are like Bedouins in a desert, seeking power or resources in an environment where they are scarce.

Except we’re thirsting for power up in this urban drama
However, in our case, what we are thirsting for is power in the midst of the struggles and conflicts of urban life.

Every day our sons and daughters are led to the slaughter
Our young people are being harmed and destroyed by the systems and social orders in place.

Indoctrinated by a complacent social order
They are being filled with harmful beliefs and ideas by a society that refuses to question or challenge itself.

Decapitated they’re trying to cut our jugular vain
They are attacking us and trying to cut off our means of survival and resistance.

That’s the sacred lifeline from heart to the brain
This attack is aimed at our most vital and valuable parts--our hearts and minds.

Make us blind to mankind’s suffering pain
These attacks also make it hard for us to see or care about other people's pain and struggle.

Ugliness worldwide that’s done in our name
Our actions and beliefs contribute to the ugliness and pain that exist throughout the world.

So the only thing we’re seeing is what we can gain
We are so focused on our own benefit that we only see what we can get out of a situation, instead of trying to create a better world for all.

Precious blood shed in vain and nothing is changed
People are dying and suffering for nothing, because we are not making real progress or change in our society.

Drugged up in daze in a comfortable maze
We are trapped in systems and patterns that make us feel good or safe, but actually keep us from making real progress or seeing clearly.

Upscale slaves in luxury cages
We are trapped in our own privilege and materialistic desires, even while we are oppressed.

But the weak keep crying and the innocent dying
Even as we continue to be trapped and act in selfish ways, there are those who suffer and are harmed by the systems in place.

And these are the times when the real freedom fighters gather ‘round
When things are at their worst and people are suffering the most, those who truly fight for freedom and justice come together.

I said the cities catch fire and the flames grow higher
In these times of struggle, entire cities or communities can rise up and become energized and passionate.

And the poor and the pious get inspired and decide to gather ‘Round
People who are traditionally marginalized or oppressed can become inspired to rise up and join the fight.

When the times get dire and the mighty are liars And the righteous fighting for their life get organized and gather ‘Round
When people in power are lying and hurting others, those who fight for justice must come together and organize.

When the prophets are silenced and the tyrants are giants And David sets his sights on Goliath and we finally gather ‘Round
When those who speak truth to power are silenced, it is up to ordinary people (like David fighting Goliath) to come together and fight back.

Hostile environment locked in a conflict Wandering lost in an impossible climate Boxed in confinement democracy hostage Bound for the towers monsters in the cockpit
We live in a world where people are struggling to survive and make progress, even when they are trapped in difficult or impossible situations, and those in power are often corrupt and dangerous.

Following blind unconscious accomplice Judged by time indicted for our silence Couple years ago I made a statement Can’t figure a single Goddamn way to change it
We are often following the lead of others without knowing why and are judged for not speaking out, but making real change can feel impossible.

As of late I made adjustments to my language Numbers are the only thing the people gain strength in If we’re going to change we got to step up our relations Got to see our own selves in each other’s faces
The singer has tried to adjust how they communicate in order to make a bigger impact, and believes that we need to see each other and work together if we want to create real change.

Share each other’s spaces give each other room And hear each other’s pain bare witness to the truth And the ground gets holy when the ground is stood And the goods may odd but the odds are good
We need to share our lives and experiences with each other in order to fully understand the truth and make change. When we come together and stand up for justice, even unlikely victories are possible.

Justice Is somewhere in between reading sad poems and 40 ounces of gasoline crashing Through windows
Justice isn't just about reading about problems or committing violent acts--it is found in the middle ground between those extremes.

Justice Is between plans and action Between writing letters to congressmen and clapping a captain Between raising legal defense funds and putting a gun on the bailiff and taking the Judge captive It is between prayer and fasting Between burning and blasting
Justice exists in the space between planning and doing, in making our voices heard and taking action to create change. It is not found in extreme violence or passivity.

Freedom Is between the mind and the soul It is between the lock and load Between the zeal of the young and the patience of the old Freedom Is between the finger and the trigger It is between the page and the pen Between the grenade and the pin Between righteous anger and keeping one in the chamber
Freedom is also found in balance and control--between extremes or different mental states. It is not just about having the power or strength to fight, but also the self-control to make wise choices and use that power appropriately.

So I say down with Goliath I say down with Goliath
We must fight against the oppressive powers in our world as David fought Goliath.

But we must learn, know, write, read We must kick, bite, yell, scream We must pray, fast, live, dream, fight, kill and die
To truly fight for justice, we must learn and educate ourselves, but we must also be willing to act boldly and sometimes violently, while also attempting to find inner balance and peace.

Free
The ultimate goal of this fight for justice is freedom from oppression and suffering.