Leon Bridges confronts systemic racism in new single, 'Sweeter'

by Billie Margot · June 8, 2020

by: Rachel Narozniak Jun 8, 2020

Leon Bridges is “hoping for a life more sweeter” in a newly-released single that addresses the repetitive pattern of racial injustice that has claimed the lives of black individuals across the nation. A minimalistic drum beat provides an unimposing backdrop for Bridges’ lyrical contemplation on the number.

“The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer.”

“…I’m just a story repeating/Why do I fear with skin dark as night/Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes,” Bridges sings. Bridges is not the sole entity confronting systemic racism on “Sweeter,” which features the vocals of Terrance Martin.

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Growing up in Texas I have personally experienced racism, my friends have experienced racism. From adolescence we’re taught how to conduct ourselves when we encounter police to avoid the consequences of being racially profiled. I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camels back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.

A post shared by Leon Bridges (@leonbridgesofficial) on Jun 8, 2020 at 7:53am PDT

Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:

Black Lives Matter

My Block My Hood My City

National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program

Black Visions Collective

Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative

The Bail Project

The Next Level Boys Academy

Color of Change

Committee to Protect Journalists

Featured image: Rambo Elliot