BREATHE by Adrienne Danrich & Drew Hemenger

This song is dedicated to All Black Lives, LGBTQ and People of Color who we have lost due to systemic racism, hatred and fear. Soprano, Adrienne Danrich Pianist, Christopher Zimmerman Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, September 2020 (World Premiere: the cell theatre, NYC September 2020) BREATHE by Adrienne Danrich and Drew Hemenger LYRICS: I can’t breathe I’m being smothered By your hatred I can’t breathe Deprived of oxygen By your fear Why do you try to justify Step up And look me in the eyes And tell me what is in your heart Because time and time and time again You’ve shown me I don’t matter Ah! But can’t you see I can’t breathe You’re killing me I can’t breathe I’m being smothered Why do you hate me so Don’t understand I just want know How I am so reviled by you. How I How I Am so reviled by you Was it ‘cause someone told to? Try empathy Try compassion Try loving your neighbor And please take your foot Off the necks of My Brothers and Sisters Remember… “The greatest of these is Love.”* I can’t breathe I’m being smothered By your hatred I cant breathe Deprived of oxygen By your fear. *1 Corinthians 13