We Are a Gentle, Angry People

“Singing For Our Lives” 

We are a gentle, angry people 
And we are singing, singing for our lives
We are a land of many colors 
And we are singing, singing for our lives 
We are a peaceful loving people 
And we are singing, singing for our lives 
We are all in this together 
And we are singing, singing for our lives 
We are a justice-seeking people 
And we are singing, singing for our lives 
We are young and old together 
And we are singing, singing for our lives 
We are a gentle, loving people 
And we are singing, singing for our lives

— Holly Near, 2002
Musician and activist

Think about what it means to be angry and gentle at the same time. How might anger be a force for good? How might gentleness be a source of power?

What have you or those you admire sacrificed for a better world?

What is your duty to Spirit, others, and yourself?

Share your response!

Banner art by Maggie Fiori

Author

  • Holly Near

    Holly Near is an American singer-songwriter, actress, teacher, and activist. She was a major figure in the rise of the women's music movement in the '70s, and has been a champion of music as a medium for social change.

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