make it out

[2008]
accordion, electric guitar, cello, piano, drumset
singer, rapper

listen: [mp3 / right click + save as]

Make it out was performed as part of Yes is a World's BODY SOLDIERS. The words come from SKIM, an extremely talented rapper and poet currently out in Los Angeles. It was a real privilege to create something together with SKIM's rhythmic sensibilities, along with the extremely versatile vocal stylings of my friend and longtime collaborator Josephine Lee.

This recording is from Yes is a World's BODY SOLDIERS, 13 January 2008, at Chicago's Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer.

Performers are:

  • Josephine Lee, singer
  • SKIM, rapper
  • Ron Wiltrout, drums
  • Taylor Levine, guitar
  • Jody Redhage, cello
  • Nathan Koci, french horn
  • David Hanlon, piano

The phrase in the hook, "One of us won't make it out, I'm sure it won't be me," comes from a lyric by Meghan Deans. The rest of the text is by SKIM (copyright 2008):

=VERSE 1=
Anyday she’s due, she‘s coming,
But the money we need, we have none
Can’t let her fill my shoes, cuz I’m already half done
If only, they gave us all the medicine
They say it coulda cured the birth of my innocent
My unborn, coulda been protected
The rich buy treatment
but my child won’t reach it, why?
forgive me, spirit knows I have tried
But it seems I been strugglin just to find

Prosperity is their destiny, Poverty is mine
Prosperity is their destiny, Poverty is mine

And now we’re running,
Out of time

=CHORUS=
One of us won’t make it out…

=VERSE 2=
How can you watch me die, my condition is medical
How can you watch us die? the solution is political
My love equals lust in your eyes
But for your sins, why should I die
I’m gay and alive, Wearin no disguise
but my smile despite how wild–
this diagnosis mysterious
they might have a treatment but I never seen it
they said this is the punishment,
a plague for gays—AIDS,
God made this, they say
homos oh no ain’t supposed to make it
Reagan,
Passed away and they praised him - a hero?
When he killed so many people
But they commend the predator, condemn the prey
idolize my killer and ignore my pain

=CHORUS=
One of us won’t make it out…

=VERSE 3=
What can I say? I like her and she likes looking my way
See I got what it takes, to do what I need, then shake
Let me demonstrate,
This is the way I operate
Get her in bed and alternate
new day, new names,
numbers in my pocket, Condoms,
Win some, lose some, Who’s really countin?
This is me-
High school fantasies, what I see
every girl in this city my sweet treat,
H.I.V. can’t stop me,  please,
blood tests forget it, I’m clean cuz I said it
only mess with the fresh and innocent
Cuz they listen
They listen

=CHORUS=
One of us won’t make it out…

=VERSE 4=
Infections every day, Moans of pain
hospital occupations contain
psychological strain, Mental concentration,
Trainin for physical gain
Relief
Nowhere to be found,
Like after Katrina,
No FEMA on the grounds
I can’t believe the pace, the rate of this disease spreadin in haste,
And I still pray its fake
I slipped and the needle pricked my skin,
I went blank, my heart sank,
and I ran to the sink
How could this be?
This shouldn’t be me
(Results take too long, and come too soon)
My baby needs me, what will I do?

=CHORUS=
One of us won’t make it out…
I’m sure it won’t be me.