Renee Lives!
"I never died.", says she.
Before the reports about Portland came in tonight, the murder of Renee Good has stuck with me as a key moment, where we understand the price we will have to pay for liberty. As the Trump mob rampages across the US and around the world (governed only by Trump’s “morality”) I thought about protests you will want to attend this weekend and a possible poster you might want to use. So here, for free downloads, are a graphite portrait of Renee, plus the same drawing accompanied by an updated version of Joe Hill, a folksong popularized by Paul Robeson, Pete Seeger and others. Joe Hill was killed in the labor movement and immortalized by this song by Earl Robinson and Alfred Hayes . . . and by unions fighting bosses for decent lives in the 1930’s. There is no doubt we will be successful, as they were.
But first comes the struggle . . . of a lifetime.
Please feel very free to download these two pieces for posters, buttons, stickers, sharing on the socials etc.
Renee Lives:
Renee Good Lyrics:
To remind how the tune goes, I have included a live performance by the great Paul Robeson, who made this song famous.
Renee Good
(sung to the tune of Joe Hill*)
I dreamed I saw Renee Good last night,
Alive as you and me.
Says I, “Renee, they murdered you.”
“I never died.”, says she.
“ I never died.”, says she.
“In Minneapolis,” says I to her,
Her standing by my bed.
“They killed you in your SUV.”
Says she, “But I’m not dead.”
Renee says, “I’m not dead.”
“The ICE mob killed you, Renee.
They shot you dead.” says I.
“Takes more than guns to kill someone.”
Says she, “I didn’t die.”
Says she, “I didn’t die”.
And standing there as big as life,
And smiling with her eyes,
Says she, “What they forgot to kill,
Went on to organize,
Went on to organize.”
“Renee’s not dead,” she says to me,
“Renee has never died.
Where folks oppose a fascist state,
Renee is at their side.
Renee is at their side.”
From San Diego, up to Maine,
No matter night or day,
Where people will defend their rights,
That’s where you’ll find Renee.
That’s where you’ll find Renee.
I dreamed I saw Renee Good last night.
Alive as you and me.
Says I, “Renee they shot you dead.”
“I never died.”, says she.
“I never died.”, says she
Stellar!!!
Here's the final line of a Facebook post I made earlier.
Remember "I am Spartacus?" As far as I'm concerned, as of yesterday, everyone who still believes in the promise of America is now Renee Good.
(edit final "need" to "Never)
Absolutely beautiful version you created of that song. And so moving!