Uncivil War (Single)

Shemekia Copeland

Uncivil War (Single)


Originally released as a single in June, 2020 (which was world-premiered by SiriusXM Bluesville radio), the topical song Uncivil War has already made an impact. Rolling Stone praises it as "Blues queen Shemekia Copeland's rootsy message song about the divided states of America. Her gospel-tinged vocal is there to soothe and defuse, reminding us that it’s time to listen to one another and, ultimately, come together."
Not available on CD
1. Uncivil War 4:45

UNCIVIL WAR...UNCIVIL WAR
HOW LONG MUST WE FIGHT…THIS UNCIVIL WAR
THE SAME OLD WOUNDS…WE OPENED BEFORE
NOBODY WINS…AN UNCIVIL WAR

THE LINES ARE DRAWN
THE GLOVES ARE OFF
SMILES ARE GONE
WE’RE ALL TALKIN’ TOUGH

YOU CURSE ME OUT
AND I CUSS U BACK
EVERYTHING WE LOVE
IS UNDER ATTACK

THE SPIRITS ARE BACK…IN RAGS BLUE AND GREY
THOUGHT THEY WERE GONE…BUT THEY WON’T GO AWAY

UNCIVIL WAR...UNCIVIL  WAR
HOW LONG MUST WE FIGHT…THIS UNCIVIL WAR
THE SAME OLD WOUNDS… WE OPENED BEFORE
NOBODY WINS…AN UNCIVIL WAR

YOU’RE SURE YOU’RE RIGHT
I’M SURE YOU’RE WRONG
WHY CAN’T WE ALL
JUST GET ALONG

YOU YELL FAKE
AND I YELL REAL
NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE
HOW THE OTHER GUY FEELS

KEEPING COUNT OF EACH OTHER’S SINS
ONLY PROBLEM IS NOBODY WINS

UNCIVIL WAR...UNCIVIL  WAR
HOW LONG MUST WE FIGHT…THIS UNCIVIL WAR
THE SAME OLD WOUNDS…WE OPENED BEFORE
NOBODY WINS…AN UNCIVIL WAR

IT’S TIME TO CHILL
AGREE TO DISAGREE
CUT OUT
ALL THE HOSTILITY

CALL OFF THE FIGHTING
AND BRING IT TO AN END
WE CAN SHAKE HANDS
AND BE FRIENDS AGAIN

NOBODY’S BACKING DOWN
SOME WON’T EVEN TALK
THE TABLE’S EMPTY
WE ALL TOOK WALK

HE’S SAYS LEFT SHE SAYS RIGHT
ONE SAYS PEACE…THE OTHER SAYS FIGHT
ONE HAND’S A PALM…THE OTHER’S A FIST
ANOTHER CHANCE FOR LOVE…JUST GOT MISSED

UNCIVIL WAR...UNCIVIL WAR 
HOW LONG MUST WE FIGHT…THIS UNCIVIL WAR
THE SAME OLD WOUNDS…WE OPENED BEFORE
NOBODY WINS…AN UNCIVIL WAR
NOBODY WINS…AN UNCIVIL WAR

Award-winning blues and Americana vocalist Shemekia Copeland premieres her timely new song, “Uncivil War,” on Friday, June 19. It is a courageous statement pleading for unity in a time of disunion, and is unlike anything Copeland has previously recorded. “Uncivil War” takes no sides and speaks to every person's desire to be safe and free. Featuring iconic mandolin wizard Sam Bush, dobro master Jerry Douglas and background vocals from popular alternative band, The Orphan Brigade, the song is simultaneously comforting and challenging, as Copeland sings, "Same old wounds we've opened before / Nobody wins an uncivil war." Shemekia delivers the song with passion and insight about the chaos and uncertainty in the world while still finding light in the darkness and hope for the future.

According to Copeland, "It's not just a song. I’m trying to put the 'united' back in the United States. Like many people, I miss the days when we treated each other better. For me, this country’s all about people with differences coming together to be part of something we all love. That’s what really makes America beautiful.”

 

Produced by Will Kimbrough

Shemekia Copeland: Vocals
Will Kimbrough: Guitar
Jerry Douglas: Dobro
Sam Bush: Mandolin
Steve Conn: Hammond B3 organ
Lex Price: Bass
Pete Abbott: Drums
The Orphan Brigade: Background vocals

Recorded and mixed by Sean Sullivan at The Butcher Shoppe, Nashville, TN
Mastered by Jim Demain at Yes Master!, Nashville, TN

Executive producer: John Hahn

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