Power Up reflects an organic songwriting process where we centered our collective power. We need connection and empowerment in all ways. While in quarantine, we all interviewed our family members about when they feel powerful and powerless; these conversations inspired the first three songs on the album.

LYRICS
VERSE
To be in your flow of power is a radical thang
Especially when the use of power isn’t quite the same
Across the board let’s record I need more than a fraction
That’s not enough I need a chain reaction

CHORUS
Tell them who we are
Show them what we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)
We got the power together
What we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)

VERSE 
To be in your flow of power is a radical thang
Especially when the use of power isn't/ain't quite the same
Across the board let’s record I need more than a fraction
Cuz that’s not enough I need a chain reaction
A Chain reaction a change of action
Connect energy find a surge of traction
On a whole new grid all glittery 
No limiting, to what we bring - eh!

CHORUS
Tell them who we are
Show them what we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)
We got the power together
What we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)

HOOK:
Connect your head and heart 
Cuz that is where it starts
Slow down 
Connecting every part

Connect your head and heart 
Cuz that is where it starts
Slow down 
Connecting every part

We got that power power 
We got that power power
We got that power power
We got that power power

BRIDGE
All systems (Energy is power - Power is the energy)
All systems (Energy is power - Power is the energy)
Fall down (Power is the energy)
Fall down (Energy is power)
All systems  (Energy is power)
All systems 
Fall down - Fall down
Let’s break it apart
Hey hey - while we rise!

CHORUS 
Tell them who we are
Show them what we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)
We got the power together
What we gonna do
What we gonna do (Yea)

Connect your head and heart 
Cuz that is where it starts
Slow down 
Connecting every part

Connect your head and heart 
Cuz that is where it starts
Slow down 
Connecting every part

We got to 
Power up Power up 
To break thru
Power up Power up

Power Up

Making impactful children’s music and sounds for the whole family is a mission we share with Los Angeles based artist Mista Cookie Jar. “The Word is Love” is our second collaboration, one that felt almost destined to happen - as the words fell into place as soon as we set the intention to create together and reflected on an interview with Stevie Wonder where he said, “At the end of the day - the word is just love.” Let LOVE be at the center of it all as we join the movement for our just future of belonging.

When it’s all said and done
The word is love. (Dig it!)
The word is love. (Dig it!)
The word is love. (Dig it!)
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. (Get it!)
The word is love. (Feel it!)
The word is love. (Be it!)

When it’s all said and done
We got the clues
It’s nothing new 
Come and take a ride with the crew
Not just keepin busy we mean business
Love is way more than the fabric we fit in

We rep these colors every shade of our melanin
We say what’s not fair without fear of tellin em 
(that’s love) It’s not a secret that we’re keeping
It’s the password that keeps mean words from creeping

We got:
Big dreams. 
Big gains. 
Feel seen
Give thanks. 
Team works 
Sho nuff. 
Be heard. 
Show up. 

You know we always got each other’s back 
Every day In every way that's a #fact
It's so simple, the word ends division
The sign’s on the wall, love is what’s written

When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 

When it’s all said and done
The word is love. (Dig it!)
The word is love. (Dig it!)
The word is love. (Dig it!)
The word is love. (Dig it!)
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. (Get it!)
The word is love. (Feel it!)
The word is love. (Be it!)

When you feel like the walls too high and stuff
You can stand on my shoulders and listen up
We got more of us rockin’ on every block
Living with all the love growin’ and stepping up
When you wake up and the world is upside down 
and the weight on your shoulders like tons of pounds 
Remove the dark shades and look around 
Look for the love it will be found

You’ll see: 
1 soul. 
1 mind. 
1 fam. 
1 tribe. 
1 earth. 
1 blood.    
1 word - that’s love 

Round and round and 
round and round we go. 
What you give is
what you get back, you know?
Sticks and stones and words
can be hurtful. 
Live with your heart
cuz life is a circle.

When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 

When the sun comes down
and the day is done. 
Looking back, 
It’s all simply amazing, huh?
Homies, we better make a habit   
And never take it for granted
The artistry of our planet. 
To mama nature we got to hand it. 
To our elders, who understand it. 
Gratitude for all the wisdom
you’ve all implanted within our culture. 
We need you -- this is the call in. 
What’s the word? It’s LOVE cuz 
Love’s a win win. 

When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 
When it’s all said and done
The word is love. 
When it’s all said and done
The word is love.

The Word Is Love (Featuring Mista Cookie Jar)

Performed by FYÜTCH and Alphabet Rockers

Learn about how the US Colored Troops led the charge to the emancipation of all Black Americans in 1865 in “Juneteenth.” We wrote this in the months before Juneteenth became a national holiday. We spoke with African American historian and scholar, Dr. Sherri Mehta, whose stories illuminated how soldiers and families strategized and worked for our collective freedom. Dr. Mehta’s ancestor, Jefferson Michie, was present for the reading of General Order No. 3 that announced freedom to the remaining enslaved people on June 19, 1865.

LYRICS
Chorus
Oh - yea
Do you know the story of Juneteenth
When the enslaved found out that they were free
Two years after 1863
The Emancipation Proclamation

Verse
Freedom
What does it mean to be free
Are you born with it
Is it God given
Or is there a cost to be
Free

The constitution said
We were 3/5ths human
How can it be democracy
Built on stolen land

Freedom is a right
Not a privilege  - YUP
Freedom from false restriction - YUP
Skin color birthplace 
Respect the ways we’re all different - YUP

Let’s take it back bout 100 years
Quick - let me paint this picture
America in a civil war
No Marvel movie, this history!

President Lincoln had a plan to end slavery only in the south
But Black folks when they heard about it started spreading that word of mouth 
Picked up arms and joined the Union to fight for their own freedom
The colored troops help win the war gave that proclamation new meaning, yup - whoo
You betta believe it!

CHORUS

VERSE 2
Justice
When have we seen it and known it
Who are the ones who have grown it 
Took it from notion to showin whats
Just

Let’s talk about soldiers who were free - risking their lives for 
people like me
All the Kinfolk they may never know 
Took a lead that we all could follow
Followin’ the call for What?
Justice - 

Bigger than land it was for the enslaved
When you think about this Proclamation - the emancipation is knowing that WE were the brave
200 thousand soldiers organizing 
women and children home strategizing 
paper protests, learned to address
The power of truth and a culture uprising

CHORUS

BRIDGE
Can’t stop that joy 
Freedom is not individual its collective
Can’t stop that joy 
Freedom is not individual its collective
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Freedom is not individual its collective

When you think about Juneteenth 
remember how we freed ourselves, 
How we stayed prepared.
We will prevail, cuz we tippin scales, closing all the jails and we will not fail!

You believe, You dream, You move You serve. 
For those who’ve past - for our culture. 
No one left behind we can be sure

We stand we rise we on that joy ride.
We stand we rise we on that joy ride.
We stand we rise we on that joy ride.
Ayyyy!

Final chorus
Now you know the story of Juneteenth
When the last enslaved knew that they were free
We led ourselves to victory
Victory
Victory!

Juneteenth (Featuring Fyütch)

We Will Not Be Oppressed

Tommy Soulati Shepherd created “Slide” to bring us together as we celebrate Black Culture and move towards a just future. The bridge exercises the concept of the line dance as in “two stepping into the movement” - and a step towards embracing Critical Race Theory.

LYRICS

Slide

Verse
You have to
Act as if it were so
Possible
To radically transform the world
Believing in it just enough every day 
To keep going
Doin’ it all of the time
Doin’ it down the line 
Meeting of hearts and minds where the ebs flowin
Away from the folks that can put you in a bind 
Like they ain't never seen your kind
But they knowin’ (you know)
They just wanna try us all on for size
And it's no surprise
When they set us off to the side 
Keep us two steppin before the electric slide
We stay warm cause don’t nobody like cold fries
Let me complace the settings it’s supper time
No left overs for later
This food for thought 
Got me thinking I should whip em up a plate of
Some envy greens
Mixed in a fear salad
A privilege shake sprinkled with need to mass manage 

CHORUS
We brought the love to carry on
We got the words we wrote the song
We know the truth can’t be wrong
We got the bond - it makes us strong 
We can't go wrong when we’re singing that song

VERSE
See some get to apologize for the things they’ve done 
Others get stopped / at risk and then some
And leaving us wondering
What could we accomplish 
Who are your real folks who’s the accomplice
And really not holding our breath we got options
We got strike up we got caution
And time which can get cut short at anytime
We beat clocks illuminate ignored signs 
You have to know that you’re visible in my eye
I don’t really care how divisible individuals are getting
You are a miracle in my eye 
Cause we are not invincible
Still strong principals
In our material
I’ll tell you why
Our life is critical 
This race is winnable
It ain’t no theory tho
It’s just that light 
We move like light
The speed of light 
We move as

CHORUS
We brought the love to carry on
We got the words we wrote the song
We know the truth can’t be wrong
We got the bond - It makes us strong 
We can't go wrong when we’re singing that song

BRIDGE
We know the words (we know ‘em) 
We wrote the song
We brought the love (love) to carry on
We know the truth (we know it)
It can’t be wrong
Two steppin (movin for this life now) 
Will you come along?

Slide
Two steps for culture yea yea
Keep steppin Keep steppin 
One step for the movement yea
Keep steppin Keep steppin come on
Take it back to the people yea
Keep steppin Keep steppin come on
Build it up for the children yea
Keep steppin step step steppin

CHORUS
We brought the love to carry on
We got the words we wrote the song
We know the truth can’t be wrong
We got the bond - It makes us strong 
We can't go wrong when we’re singing that song
La la la la…
La la la la…
Movin’ for this life now
Slide

Slide

Self-care as community care is a core value for Alphabet Rockers. This song held a lot for us - all the emotions of the multiple pandemics - and the pain in our own lives. In the outro, you’ll hear Kaitlin McGaw wailing in background vocals, like that release we all need. “(Practicing radical self-care) means we’re able to bring our entire selves into the movement,” says Angela Y. Davis, “It means we incorporate into our work as activists ways of acknowledging and hopefully moving beyond trauma. It means a holistic approach.” We really want you to know you’re not alone in this - we feel it too.

VERSE
I know that it is hard to move
We are here to carry you - 
Take time out - rest up - slow down - check up -
Boundaries - Protect ‘em - Feel it?
We got you

You don’t gotta try to smile 
Not for anyone but you this time 
Your voice is important - shut out the noise 
Let go of the things that aren’t working
It’s worth it

PRE-CHORUS
Loving yourself is a way to show up
You have the colors and that is enough
Asking for help ain’t giving up - Oh! 
(Love yourself) Take care
(Ask for help) Make space
(We can do it) You and me
(We got this) Can’t replace
(Yes we feel it) Taking care of us means taking care of you

CHORUS
Just know that we feel it too
Don’t you know we feel it too
Knowing that we know it’s true
You know that we feel it too
You know that we feel it

VERSE
You don’t gotta shrug it off 
Feel your feels above it all
Your value is certain - move thru the hurt and
Hold onto your worth and 
This is the call in

Release the anger and the shame
We make mistakes - hold no blame
We sort it - address it - reflect it - 
Express it - forgiveness - we stress it
… You guessed it

PRECHORUS
Loving yourself is a way to show up
You have the colors and that is enough
Asking for help ain’t giving up - Oh! 
(Slow down) Take care
(Make space) Make space
(You and me) You and me
(Never alone) Can’t replace
(Carry you) Taking care of us means taking care of you


CHORUS 
Just know that we feel it too
We feel it
Don’t you know we feel it too
We feel it - we feel it
Knowing that we know it’s true
We feel it - we feel it
You know that we feel it too
We feel it - we feel it
You know that we feel it

BRIDGE
We never hiding 
Move side by side n’
We just be flying
Touchin’ the sky n’ 

We never hiding 
Move side by side n’
We just be flying
Touchin’ the sky n’ 

We never hiding 
Move side by side n’
We just be flying
Touchin’ the sky n’ 

We never hiding 
Move side by side n’
We just be flying
Touchin’ the sky n’ 


CHORUS 
Just know that we feel it too
We feel it
Don’t you know we feel it too
We feel it - we feel it
Knowing that we know it’s true
We feel it - we feel it
You know that we feel it too
We feel it - we feel it
You know that we feel it too

We Feel It

Get Free

In Maya Fleming’s solo song, she started with the question, “What are the ways privilege shows up in power?” In the studio, Maya directed the collective in vocal performances, arrangements and harmonies in addition to finding her own voice. “Our Turn” is Maya’s first song, penned at age 13, and she compels adults to share the truth with the youth and children in their lives. 

“I’ve got a voice and I’m using it - And it’s way past time that you’re hearing it”

VERSE 
I’m looking around and I can’t believe
All the things that are happening
This year has really got me down

All of this injustice poverty police brutality
We can come together and turn it around

Parents want us to block it out
Focus on school it’ll all work out
Just be a kid, have fun and play

But how can we just step aside and 
Ignore the pain that we feel inside
So let’s all stand up and say

CHORUS
It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be

It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be

VERSE 
I’ve got a voice and I’m using it 
And it’s way past time that you’re hearing it
You can find a lot when you listen up 

I feel like you got that door closed 
on all these things that I need to know
What’s going on please open up (What’s going on?)

All these things you downplay 
And yet you say we’ll be ok
maybe you’re a little scared

Can we just feel our feelings
We’re here to create that healing
Share the space and show you care

CHORUS
It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be

It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be


BRIDGE
It starts now
Yea it’s time for change
Gonna speak up and speak out
Show them what we’re all about
We got questions but they don’t want to hear em
We got ideas but they just wanna fear em

Why you gotta shut us out?
Why not call us in?
Pass the baton
Give us a chance to win
Teach us how to stand and fight
Teach us how to reunite
When they try to knock us down
Teach us how to stand our ground!

CHORUS
It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be

It’s our turn
Stepping into our power
Fighting for a better future 
So we can make the world the way it should be

Our Turn

Abolition

We hosted multiple interviews and conversations with restorative justice facilitators in our Oakland community. As a collective, we are always in circle. We are in a learning space to embody RJ as a way for our parenting, friendships and community work. What’s possible when we listen? Can we check ourselves on control? How can we solve problems without punishment?  The results could be transformative for ourselves and for the systems around us.

VERSE 
First things first I show up ready to be in circle
Here to actively listen and be openly verbal 
This type of cypher that serves like a meal
We’re here to solve problems and hopefully heal
I start by telling the group a little bit about me
I want to get to know you curiosity is mounting
We’re here to build trust so we can speak facts
A heartfelt response for the best impact, see-

PRE-CHORUS
The circle is a space to grow 
Connecting us to a collective glow 
Candles get lit, reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right

CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love 
A little bit of 
Courage and Care 
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without 
Truth
And facing it 
Whenever it confronts us, without that  
Ain’t no restorative just us

Spoken:
Alright y’all we came together to hear every person's side of the story so you’re up next.

VERSE 2
Pass the object, it’s my turn to speak,
To share what’s on my heart and the truth we seek

I hope they understand where I’m coming from 
What harm was caused? What can be done?

We can’t move forward ‘til we take the pause
Examine all the hurt we 
might have caused 

When it’s your turn, can’t promise I’ll agree
But maybe there’s perspective that I did not see

PRE-CHORUS
The circle is a space to grow 
Connecting us to a collective glow 
Candles get lit, reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right

CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love 
A little bit of 
Courage and Care 
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without 
Truth
And facing it 
Whenever it confronts us
Without that
Ain't no restorative just us


VERSE 3: REFLECTION
We heard each other out; we’re owning up to our parts
Healing doesn’t end here, this is a start
How we hold this defines us, as we leave and take care
We’re in this together like our ancestors’ prayer 

We’re leaving here today with community tactics 
And RJ is a constant and continuous practice
We restore fairness We make peace
We are community finding relief

PRECHORUS
The circle is a space to grow 
Connecting us to a collective glow 
Candles reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right

CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love 
A little bit of Courage and Care
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without 
Truth
And facing it Whenever it confronts us
Without that
Ain't no restorative just us

Restorative Justice

For 13 year old Kali de Jesus, he rooted his song in the question “How can the government use the power they have to support others rather than support their own system?” After writing a few bars, he selected a piece of music from Gennessee which inspired the framework for the vibe of the song. Special thanks to Lateef the Truthspeaker for coaching Kali during his writing process.

LYRICS
We’re not just playing games
We’re not just playing
We’re not just playing

Chorus
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

Verse 
100’s of millions in starvation
Government power should serve all people in the nation
It’s really like their minds have limitations 
We have to start, stop waiting and move towards elevation

Think about how people feel
It’s crazy knowing that this treatment is real
Officers treating people like they’re immaterial
Their self entitled thoughts need to be sealed

Why are these people selfish
They’re supposed to be selfless
But they’re leaving people helpless
Problems to be dealt with 
Maybe they could help with

People catchin’ false cases like it’s the flu
Stereotypes sticking to people like it’s glue
We have to think about what we’re gonna do
Open minds past biases to what’s true

Chorus
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

We’re not just playing games

Verse 
I’m tryna be on the court ballin’
Like an MVP
I’m tryna go further than I can see
But I can’t do that if I cannot be

Free to move up and down the court
Without fear of being ejected 
And my game cut short 
They tryna knock me down
I’m just here to play the sport
I’m learning everyday
What I need is support

If I was in charge of our leaders I would focus 
On serious problems that are really more for us
I see the need for money I agree
But it’s not for you to feed cuz your greed has a fee

We gotta bowl on a new lane
Change the frame of corruption or it will stay the same
Can’t procrastinate have to move with our brains
These issues are real we’re not just playin games

Chorus
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game
Please take a second and explain
Why this whole system playing people like a game

We’re not just playing games
It ain’t a game - so quit playin
We’re not just playing games

Games

Our process is rooted in questions, which lead to songs. For this album, each of the members of Alphabet Rockers set to write their own solo song. Thirteen year old Tommy Shepherd III wrote this song based on the question "How do we open up peoples eyes to someone’s internal change?"

VERSE 
I wish the prison frame 
Was built to learning about people’s internal change 
And know what happening in their brains 
They could be learnin’ from what they did 
Or trying to get back to their family at the crib 
As soon as they step on the court
They try to take a shot jury pushes them on the floor 
They think the perpetrator’s all hate at the core
Because of their biases changes get ignored 
If you throw us in the cell lock it - turn off the lights
Mistakes are the spark that make our ideas bright
So even if you turn off the lights 
Our community will guide us through the night we know we’re left with what’s right
Why when you do something wrong it goes on to your record it’s carrying through your life and not striving to make you better 
We need to be clever - our top leaders are failing us we’re exercising a system where our wrongs are trailing us 
 
CHORUS
Who is to win 
Who is to lose 
Who takes the L
Who sees it through
Who gets to change 
Who gets to choose - yea
Don’t get caught up in the moment
It follows you
 
 
 
 
VERSE 
Systems stopping caterpillars from floating like butterflies 
Stopping them from soaring before they even get to try
When a bee stings protect itself by any means necessary 
Be a bee - Protect community like kingdom’s canterbury
For equity we gotta start embracing change 
The way the systems working we can't let it stay the same
Its complex to try to beat the prison complex
To restore the justice it's an uncomfortable process
But to express is progress - don't stress 
Because when were united we can never become pressed 
People confess
We hold them accountable 
And still the years that have been lost is uncountable

HOOK
Who is to win 
Who is to lose 
Who takes the L
Who sees it through
Who gets to change 
Who gets to choose - yea
Won’t get caught up in the moment
I promise you
 
BRIDGE
When you take an L
Do you take a loss
Do you take the lesson
Do you pay the cost
Do you feel shame 
or do you feel the sham
The plot in the shadow
The scheme in the plan

Can you see the L 
As more than a loss
Can it be a lesson
Still pay the cost
Can you shed the shame
Expose the Sham
Reverse the scheme
Divert the plan

Divert the plan
Reverse the scheme
Expose the Sham
Change up the theme
Divert the plan
Reverse the scheme
Expose the Sham
Change up the theme

The Change Up
The Change Up

The Change Up

This song was inspired by all of the children who can see how adults carry bias, and how it harms everyone. During this album process, we watched “When They See Us” and reflected on the exonerated five men from the Central Park case. We read “Punching the Air” as a collective. We continue to ask questions in our daily practice as a pathway for change.

Tell me who you see when you look at me?
What labels did you give me? Can I be free?

Can we talk? Is it fair - 
I can’t ask questions without being scared?

Am I allowed to make a mistake?
Can I get a chance to explain?
Can we fix this without pain?
I wanna know

Am I already in a box? 
Can you listen while I talk?
Can we move past it without blame? 
Tell me

CHORUS
Have you made your mind up about who I am?
Do you understand? Is this your plan?
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us

Are you aware that I have needs?
Is it something about me?
What makes you think of me this way?
Cuz I wanna know

Are you aware that I have rights?
It’s not my job to change your mind
I want to know what you got to say
Tell me

CHORUS
Have you made your mind up about who I am?
Do you understand? Is this your plan?
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us

Can I just be?
Can you just see me?
Can I just be a child?
Did you know I have needs?

Do you have children?
Do you have family?
Do you want to know me?
Or hold on to your biases?

When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us

I see you - do you see me - do you see me?
When they 
When they
When they
When They See Us

Questions

This song was inspired by our friendship and culture of belonging. Are you a friend and an ally? Are you making space for all to shine? We love wordplay and games - close your eyes and imagine you're on a ride with us.

CHORUS
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)….yeeea
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)....c’mon

VERSE
You’re the double to my dutch - the hop in my skotch
Always on time (count on it) like numbers on a watch
We go together like thank you and please
I bring the hug (what) you bring the squeeze (whooo)

You the spider to my itsy
The boots to my cats, see
The spy in my little eye - Toon to my looney
Yo-Yo….always coming back to me 

I bring the ABC - you bring the 123
4 on the floor we got the dance and the freeze
The gummy to my worm - The chips to my salsa
You dip, I dip, we dip cuz we gotsta

You the twinkle to my star
Know the real me and the avatar
Skippin’ all the drama like skippin’ a rope
On your mark I’m ready I'm set - let’s go!!

PRE CHORUS
Who’s the one that’s got your back?
We’re the ones that got your back
Get you a friend that’s got it like that - eh!


CHORUS
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)….yeeea
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)....wooo
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)….yeeea
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)....c’mon

VERSE
Who’s in? You know that we need ya
We’ll all take turns playing follow the leader
The game ain’t right less we all got a spot
Wait a minute - SAY CHEESE! we’re all in the shot

You’re the kick - I’m the snare
Whose got the hi-hat? 
Make noise, stomp your feet 
Bump bump the boombap
Bump bump the boombap
Bump bump the boombap
Bump bump the boombap
Yea! 

Take the mic - one time - join the cypher - 
Pass the chalk - two times- We’re the writers
Look at us we don’t need one star of the show 
It’s a galaxy - you know it - we shine - let’s go!

PRE CHORUS
Who’s the one that’s got your back?
We’re the ones that got your back
Get you a friend that’s got it like that - eh!

CHORUS
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)….yeeea
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)....wooo

We B F Forever
I’ll be that one that responds to the call
We B F Forever
I’ll be the one with the catch when you fall

BRIDGE
Calling out to the ones who know
Let ‘em know no one’s alone
I’ll be there when you need someone
Got your back - you’re wonderful

Spread the word when you sing this song
Be the one - show em they belong
I’ll be the friend who’s got your back
You - be the one - who’s got it like that - eh!

CHORUS
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)….yeeea
Get you a friend like this…. (like what)…. like this….(like what)....wooo

We B F Forever
I’ll be that one that responds to the call
We B F Forever
I’ll be the one with the catch when you fall

Get You A Friend

Interviews with our families revealed that many people find power in supporting one another and being connected to the community. As youth in Alphabet Rockers, we wrote Strength in Numbers over Zoom, reflecting on our individual sense of power.

Tommy: Yea let’s go AR Crew - where we going?
Higher - higher
Kaitlin: Let’s rise
Tommy: Let’s lift them up, Y’all ready for this
Kaitlin: Let’s do it

CHORUS
We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

MAYA
I’m powerful when I’m with my community
People that accept my thoughts and ideas and see
The truth about who I am - they love all my melanin - I know that I’m confident 
So watch out, I'm steppin in. 
I’m with a community where I’m safe and I’m loved
I’ve also got my ancestors watching from above. 
With the power that I have from my past and from my present 
I know I can do anything, y’all need to accept It.


KALI
I feel powerful when people listen
Don’t ignore me cause you won’t know what you’re missin’
And if you plug your ears, I’ll write my truth down
Do whatever I can, so long as the truth’s found
Learn the truth sometimes that’s not what they teach 
Right now they might not listen but you have to speak
And when they hear you teach them what’s real
Speak your mind and tell them how you feel 


LILY
I know I’m powerful when I see my beauty 
And from head to toe self love through and through me
I love myself every day
Can be myself every way
Don’t need to prove anything 
I’m confident at my age  
They say your not your past, you are in a way
Your ancestors within you, there’s someone you should thank
The power when they prayed, part of us in many ways 
They had so many goals, we’ll get there one day (woo!)

CHORUS
We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

KALI
Something you should know is that this is how I feel
Cause I support what’s true and what’s real
Put a break on this cycle like it’s a wheel
And we shouldn’t punish, but we should heal

TOMMY
I feel powerful when I can leave the house without a fraction of doubt
that Im’a be safe
That when I run for the bases, I won’t get tagged out
And my parents ain’t scared I won’t reach home base.
Powerful when I can be me and be free without feeling shame
Feel powerful when I can keep my self tamed 
And in control power isn’t something that can be stole 
But only given something inside that’s risen
 
KALI
I feel power when I have support 
Doesn’t matter if you’re big, tall, small, or short
Strength in numbers when we’re in a community
When people connect, that’s how we find unity

CHORUS 
We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

We got strength it’s in our community
We got power - that’s unity
Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

OUTRO
Strength in numbers
When we’re in a community
When people connect - 
That’s how we find unity.

Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

Strength in numbers
When we’re in a community
When people connect - 
That’s how we find unity.

Standing up on your shoulders
Lifting our voices higher!

Strength In Numbers

We returned to this question “Do You Know my Power?” from our 2018 GRAMMY-nominated song “I’m Proud.” Our children have the imagination that we need to make this world one of love and belonging. How are you powerful?

Do you know my power?
I have the power to imagine.
And I do, imagine. 
I imagine what I need, and it has a lot to do with what you need.
We belong in a world where we share what we have.
Where I care for you, you care for me and we care for people we don’t even know. 
Where we care for the land like we are supposed to. 
A time without punishment, for real. 
Where we all got space to thrive and BE who we are.
There’s a time and a place for everything.
It’s time to imagine our movement in a place of power.
I imagine you do, too. 
We are that powerful.

Do You Know My Power?

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers

Different (Interlude)
Vocals from Tommy Shepherd, Young Gifted & Black, Zion Angeles
Music arranged by Geoff & Kevin McCann, Written by Derrick Okoth and Torrance Esmond

What do you think an ally is?

Rise Shine #Woke

Different (Interlude)

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers.

POWER (Interlude)
Words from: Laroilyn H Davis, Young Gifted & Black
Music by: Torrance Esmond, Derrick Okoth
Produced by: Geoff McCann

Who's got the power?

Power (Interlude)

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers

QUESTIONS (Interlude) © School Time Music
Written by Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd. Music by D. Okoth, T. Esmond.
Produced by Street Symphony & D.O. Speaks.

Alright. Let’s talk about it.
So much to learn. I wanna know.

What is my color?
What is my skin tone?
What is its history?
What is its culture?

What is my culture?
What is my color?
What is a skin tone?
Why do we label?

What do I stand for?
Who do I stand for?
What does it mean to you?
What does it mean to me?

What is my history?
What is my legacy?
What does it mean to you?
What does it mean to me?

Questions. Ask.
Let's Talk.
My people people

Questions (Interlude)

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS © School Time Music
Written by Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd, Brandon Miller, Torrance Esmond. Produced by Real Chance & Street Symphony.

Intro
Turn on the lights
We need you
Turn it up make it loud #I’m proud

Verse 1
It’s easy to say/ that we’re all the same/ and that for the most part we’re equal
That’s not what we see/ we know the secret/ there’s new ways to think than that prequel
How about- be proud of our culture take part in our heritage celebrate differences
Love and respect is what we protect especially in justice instances
We know that we’re young/ but we can take it
Drama in the world and we can’t shake it /Uh uh we can’t shake it /Can’t shake it
All these lessons and all these questions /That y’all have been teaching us since birth
you don’t want me to get hurt/ but all this pain is making me work
Help me see what you see?

Prechorus
Close my eyes, make believe - just pretend - life is easy
Open wide - see the light - truth in life is what we’re seeking
We need you 
Turn it up make it loud #improud
We are the light

Chorus
(We are the light)
LIGHTS
TURN ON THE LIGHTS - 
WE TURN ON THE LIGHTS
TURN IT UP LOUD HASHTAG I’M PROUD - RIGHT - 
TURN ON THE LIGHTS 

(Don't lose sight)
TURN ON THE LIGHTS - 
WE TURN ON THE LIGHTS
TURN IT UP LOUD HASHTAG I’M PROUD - RIGHT - 
TURN ON THE LIGHTS 

OH-OH
We see things right we be turning on the lights

Verse 2
(Love) I love that you love me so much
(Hugs) The hugs and the kisses and such
So show me the world that I need to see
So I don’t lose touch
Pinch my cheeks cuz I’m cute
I am the living proof
I am the love of your life the heart of your dreams
& I need you to tell me the truth
(I’m gonna change the world!)
Yes I can be president
Yes I can follow the rules
Yet all my answers to questions get questioned and second guessed
And that ain’t cool
What I see is not fair to me
I don’t see myself on TV
Now look me in the eye
Answer me carefully
	
Prechorus

Chorus

Turn On the Lights

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers.
THE NITRO
Written by Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd.
Sample of Jerry Lordan song “Apache" as used by Sugar Hill Gang, used with permission from Sunflower Entertainment.

Whatcha gonna do when the rockers come through?
I’m gonna have some fun!
What do you consider fun? 
Fun, natural fun!

We get up get up we stand up stand up
We get up get up stand up!
We get up get up we stand up stand up
We get up get up stand up!

Put your rocks up, rock stars 
Put your rocks up, rock stars 
Put your rocks up, rock stars 
-- and go rock---star
Yea just make a rock with your hand and go Rock-star!!

Yes our rock means together 
Our rock means we must
Stand up together 
We love and trust
Our rock means unity
You and I thats (UNITY)
So come on let it rock like stars everywhere
If you’re feeling energized put em up in the air
Say…
oh yea oh yea…
oh yea oh yea…

So come on let it rock like stars one time
If you’re feeling energized and you see the light
Say…
Alright - alright
Alright - alright

oh yea oh yea…
Alright - alright
oh yea oh yea…
Alright - alright

Just wave em wave em wave em in the air
Wave em wave em like you just don’t care
Bring it down to the floor, stomp it out you want some more.
Just wave em wave em wave em in the air
Wave em wave em like you just don’t care
Bring it down to the floor, stomp it out you want some more.

Now It’s time for us to shine
Through our beats our moves and rhymes
You got me and I got you
Now we’re a crew we got work to do

So let’s move - 
Are you ready? 

It’s time to rock!!

The Nitro

Listen to the advance release of Rise Shine #Woke from Alphabet Rockers.
Don’t Wait (Interlude) © 2017 School Time Music 
Music by Derrick Okoth and Torrance Esmond/Street Symphony 

Words from: Laroilyn H Davis, Young Gifted & Black
Laroilyn Davis speaks to Alphabet Rockers and Young Gifted & Black about education starting in the womb. Young Gifted & Black kick off the album with 4, 3, 2, 1 - WAKE UP!

Don't Wait (Interlude)

"Throw Shine on Black history 
It’s for us it’s for you and me (Liftin' every voice) 
It’s the past, the future and today 
It’s more than a month - It is every day" 
- Theme Song 

Join GRAMMY-nominated artists Alphabet Rockers in listening, reflecting and lifting up heroes of Black History and Future with your family. See how many names you know in the Black History Raps, listen to the youth of Alphabet Rockers in Shine Battles, and add your story to the future of our communities.

Throw Shine on Black History

Black History Rap 2

Shine Battle

A-side B-Side Part 2

Black Girl Magic

"I will go with you, no matter where or how far - cuz I know your truth I love who you are" - Our kids need to know they are not alone in their paths. This song models how they can step up for one another - and how we can step up for each other.

THE STORY
To create the album we hosted multiple Listening Parties - where we asked our communities for input on album topics. A child wrote the words “losing a friend" in a prompt about what needs to change. It rang true for others in the room. And we knew that there was a song - about the friend you don’t lose when you are trans, the friend who stands up for you even when you are not in the room. We call this friendship activism, of “being an accomplice.”

CREDITS
Written by Kaitlin McGaw (Letter Kay ASCAP), Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP), Torrance Esmond (Track or Die BMI) and Antwuan Brown (Songs Of This All We Got BMI). Produced by Kangaroo 809 & Street Symphony, with Kevin and Geoff McCann. Vocals produced by Jeff Kolhede. Vocals arranged by Kevin McCann. Vocals: Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd. Additional Programming: Kevin and Geoff McCann, Julian Gray. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineer Jeff Kolhede.

The Love

Not Alone

"I am the ultimate me, beyond the he she, ultimately be free" This song is about harassment. It starts in school hallways and spills into street behaviors, and it always hurts. We invite listeners to a new way to see one another.

THE STORY
Gender non conforming people are harrassed everyday, even in supposedly safe and “progressive” cities. We wrote this song for a friend, parent and trans/non-binary musician, D. We wanted them to hear these voices in their head as they proudly live their life. We also wanted to rewrite the narrative of the bystander - Tommy’s character shares the story of someone who notices someone who's gender expression is beyond the binary, and is inspired by the amazing person they see - someone unafraid to be who they are. We can rewrite these narratives in ourselves - and with our young people. We need to stop the bullying and harassment of LGBTQI+ people worldwide.

CREDITS
Written by Kaitlin McGaw (Letter Kay ASCAP), Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP), Orlando Wilder (GrindxGlory ASCAP)Produced by Fyaman with Kevin and Geoff McCann. Strings arranged by Kevin McCann. Vocals produced and arranged by Jeff Kolhede. Vocals: Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd. Violin: Karlon and Shaina Evoniuk. Additional programming: Geoff McCann. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineer Jeff Kolhede.

I Know You See Me

This slapper is a movement, it is an opening, and it is all written by Black fathers for their children to feel more freedom in talking about their feelings, breaking gender molds and interrupting patterns of racism.

THE STORY
#100kMasks is inspired by the work of Ashanti Branch and the Ever Forward Club (as you can see in film, “The Mask You Live In”):  “All young men have the desire to be fully alive – to be loved, respected, held in high regard, held to high expectations, held accountable for their actions and supported to help achieve their goals.” We wanted to create a song that reflected the pressure and emotional suppression that continues to cycle against black and brown boys and trans masculine children. How can we break this? The lyrics are written by black fathers - artists who are breaking that cycle in their families, allowing our children to feel, share their feelings, and be seen beyond the mask.

CREDITS
Written by Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP), Yaw Opoku Agyeman (Agyeman Arenas Publishing BMI), Zumbi Zoom (S. Gaines for Ajna Blue Music ASCAP), Derrick Okoth (All Family No Friends/This All We Got Music BMI).
Produced by D.O. Speaks & Street Symphony. Vocals produced by Jeff Kolhede. Vocals: Tommy Shepherd, Yaw, Zumbi Zoom (Zion I), Ashanti Branch. Vocal Scratching: Tommy Shepherd. DJ: Wonway Posibul. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineers Jeff Kolhede and Kevin McCann and in artists’ studios in Oakland and Chicago.

#100kMasks Feat. Tommy Soulati Shepherd, Yaw And Zumbi Zoom

"When I am overwhelmed, I can meditate - knowin’ my pain might not go away. it’s mine to feel, I can love it anyway" - This song honors the self-care that kids can take on to navigate oppression and belonging. 

THE STORY
A family asked us to write a song that reflects the tool kit that kids really need everyday, stating that some of the experiences and emotions our trans kids go through are beyond their years (4-10 years old) - and that they needed to hear all the ways they can take care of themselves. This issue is not unique to the trans community of kids; kids who are not supported by our schools and systems all require extra coping skills for adequate self-love and self-care. This song is for all of us. The featured vocalists are SO fresh, Yiann has an incredible style and they were proud to come to the studio to be featured in verse 1. Verse 2 features Rei Matsuno, a high school student (who identifies as trans/non-binary) whose musicality was such a match for the tune. Bay Area and activist music fans will recognize the backing vocals of Jennifer Johns, who has always been on the forefront of social justice movements with her voice, spirit and presence.
CREDITS
Featuring Yiann and Rei Matsuno. Written by Kaitlin McGaw (Letter Kay ASCAP), Tommy Shepherd (Felonious Music ASCAP),  Derrick Okoth (All Family No Friends/This All We Got Music BMI).
Produced by D.O. Speaks & Street Symphony. Vocals produced and arranged by Jeff Kolhede. Guest Vocals: Yiann, Rei Matsuno, Tommy Shepherd III, Aris Wong. Lead Vocals: Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd. Backing Vocals: Lillian Ellis, Maya Fleming, Jennifer Johns, Kali de Jesus. Trumpet: Harlow Carpenter. DJ: Wonway Posibul. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineer Jeff Kolhede.

Be Strong Feat. Yiann And Rei Matsuno

"I am enough" is a song for our times, making visible and centering the proud voices of singers who identify as non-binary. This song is a healer - join us in all ages in loving the amazing YOU that you are. 

OUR STORY
Our Family Coalition (ourfamily.org) was a huge partner in creating the album. We brainstormed with their staff in the fall of 2018 about themes for the album and landed on three: advocacy, visibility and celebration. Following this, a staff member said, “I just want to feel like I’m enough.” The song was born. In our outreach events with gender diverse families and with our extended community, kids and adults shared truths around their gender expressions which are reflected in the verses. It was an honor to collaborate with The Singing Bois - and have representative voices lead this song forward. A special moment was having 11 year old Aris Wong (who identifies as gender fluid/non-binary) sing incredible back-up vocals for the verses.

CREDITS
Produced by D.O. Speaks & Street Symphony, Kevin and Geoff McCann. Additional production by Cory Tauwoo. Vocals produced and arranged by Jeff Kolhede.  Featured Vocals: Jade Way, T. Carlis Roberts, and Terezia Orosz (The Singing Bois). Backing Vocals: Tommy Shepherd, Kaitlin McGaw, Maya Fleming, Aris Wong. Additional drums/programming: Kevin and Geoff McCann with Cory Tauwoo. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland with engineers: Jeff Kolhede, Kevin McCann.

I Am Enough Feat. The Singing Bois

Join us in honoring the Ohlone land - where we recorded the album "THE LOVE." Hear affirmations for our time, from generations committed to change.

THE STORY
We recorded “This is Ohlone Land” with a diverse community of two spirit artists and drummers. Each person brought their intentionality into our studio at Zoo Labs, with thoughtful clarity of which drums we had permission to record for non-Native American listeners. Mariposa Villaluna envisioned the honoring of the land and produced the artists, inviting Kaitlin & Tommy to the Bay Area Two Spirit Pow Wow, the San Francisco Library Two Spirit Storytime, and to other community gatherings to create a safe and meaningful connection for what would become this album’s introduction. Kanyon “CoyoteWoman” Sayers-Roods has done land acknowledgement at many of the Alphabet Rockers performances, and has inspired us to continue this work in the many places in the United States that we perform. At the close of the track, you hear the voices of the Alphabet Rockers youth and their/our families, sharing affirmations, the foundation of “The Love."
CREDITS
Produced by Kevin McCann. Vocals produced by Kevin McCann. Lead Vocals, Clapper Stick and many drums: Kanyon “CoyoteWoman” Sayers-Roods. Drums: Angel Adeyoha, Koja Adeyoha, Mariposa Villaluna, M. Zamora, Kanyon “CoyoteWoman” Sayers-Roods, Tommy Shepherd. Vocals: Celestina Pearl, Esperanza Carter-Pearl, Nizhoni Ellenwood, Pálxcqíwn Ellenwood, Mariposa Villaluna, Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Shepherd, Lillian Ellis, Zoe Ellis, Maya Fleming, Jackson Fleming, Arayah Fleming, Masahin Mujahid, Raymond Fleming, Anna Maria Luera, Tommy Shepherd III, Adhi Nagraj, Kiran Nagraj, Kim McDonald, Kali de Jesus, Ania de Jesus, Martin de Jesus. Special Advisor: Mariposa Villaluna. Recorded at Zoo Labs, Oakland; Engineer: Kevin McCann

This Is Ohlone Land(Introduction)Feat. Kanyon CoyoteWoman Sayers - Roods

This Is Ohlone Land (Introduction)Feat. Kanyon CoyoteWoman Sayers - Roods

3 time GRAMMY-nominated Alphabet Rockers music that makes change.

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