Will released the album Wayward Lady, containing his only openly political work, in 2008. This song seems appropriate for Election Day.
Lord, I’m praying about my country’s ways
As a struggling artist in the U.S.A.
I can’t trust the government, it’s scared
And upping its surveillance everywhere.
It’s monitoring computers, phones.
At street corners, it’s hard to be alone.
If I wear the wrong clothes, I’m taken away
My freedom hinges on what I think I’ll say.
Tell Him that we’re tragic
When you get up there.
And that we need some magic —
My American prayer.
The war on terror terrorizes, too.
It seems my basic liberties are through.
And they say I must support a million dead
For a corporate power grab inside my head.
Everyday people sharpen this nation’s mind.
In my dreams, we love the common kind.
We don’t scare and oppress our very core
And we don’t exploit our neighbors any more.
Tell Him that we’re tragic
When you get up there.
And that we need some magic —
My American prayer.
Ensure peace in our streets,
And forgive our evil deeds.
For we’re young, and can recall
Righteousness that started this all.
Lord, I know you’re busy up there.
We’ll be waiting on an answer to this prayer.
Send angels for a way to your ear
Because America’s in trouble down here.
I’m advised to reign my words in tight.
To take my tunes and go quietly in the night.
I hope you’ll help us all to speak our minds
Because the voices of the people are being left behind.
Tell Him that we’re tragic
When you get up there.
And that we need some magic —
My American prayer.
(repeat chorus)
Will T. Massey with Dave Ducharem-Jones, Ram Zimmerman, Richard Bowden, and Jeff Joiner at Momo’s, 1-1-11
Buller's back porch 