The “Rise” album is a set of songs, that I hope, capture the times in which we live.
At the heart of it all is the message to stay true and be happy amongst the chaos in the world that is often pushed at us through the propaganda lense of the media.
The songs were done in a rough do-it-yourself lo-fi Psychedelic folk-freak way because this is what I do. Some of the songs were rather improvised especially with the lyric.
“Rise Up America” was written just about the time of the G20 summit in Pittsburg in September 2009. It is meant to be a sort of wake up call for Americans and also people around the world. It has already been recorded by an artist in Italy.
The album was recorded on my 8-Track Tascam machine in Portland, Oregon, Dallas, Texas, and Sofia, Bulgaria.
Credits:
Jim Guittard: Lead and background vocals, electric lead and rhythm guitars, acoustic 12-string guitar, bass, shakers, percussion, drums, keyboard, and effects.
My wife helped out on the vocal for Roller Coaster Ride.
All music is written by Jim Guittard.
All lyrics are written by Jim Guittard with the exception of “Independence” which the words are adapted from the “Declaration of Independence.”
Back in late September 2009 I wrote a song called “Rise Up America” and recorded it after seeing all the chaos go down at the G20 summit in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. I made a call for anyone who wanted to record this song to do so and to even change the words to their own country so that it is more personal.
It’s been a little while now but we’ve now got another version and from Italy.
Here are the two songs for Italy and America together:
Here is my original song with video from the G20 Summit:
I recently got an email from an Italian artist simply known as Alex or “d0ct0r” who heard my song and wanted very much to record it and make his own version for Italy. He sent it to me and this is what you are listening to. I like it very much.
Now that Italy is involved with the spirit behind the original song, my call still goes out for others to get involved. It’s up to us to take our world back from fear and destruction. We must rise above fear and anxiety!
Let’s keep this song chain going. It is important to get the spirit of optimism out. Thanks Alex!
I will not be conned into believing
There is no hope.
I will not be conned into believing
There is not a good person left.
I will not be conned into believing
That racism is the root cause.
I will not be conned into believing
There is no God.
I will not be conned into believing
All men are scoundrels.
I will not be conned into believing.
All women are sluts.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
I will not be conned into believing.
There is no answer.
I will not be conned into believing.
There is nothing we can do.
I will not be conned into believing.
There is not purpose in life.
I will not be conned into believing
There’s only hope in the government.
I will not be conned into believing.
America is not a Christian nation.
I will not be conned into believing.
Rush Limbaugh is our answer.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
I will not be conned into believing.
Chris Matthews is our answer.
I will not be conned into believing.
Sean Hannity is our answer.
I will not be conned into believing.
Socialism is the way to change.
I will not be conned into believing
That the Republicans are right.
I will not be conned into believing.
That the Democrats are right.
I will not be conned into believing.
That we know everything about 9-11.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
I will not be conned into believing.
That Obama is a big peacemaker.
I will not be conned into believing
That political correctness is the best.
I will not be conned into believing
That pills will improve our lives.
I will not be conned into believing
That our time heals all wounds.
I will not be conned into believing.
That we don’t know what to do.
I will not be conned into believing
That we’re not okay.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
Get up now.
It’s alright.
I got four other verses
Can you sing? but you get my point.
You gotta keep on going.
You gotta get off your butt.
I wrote the music and first verse while living in Hollywood, California in 2001 or 2002. The rest of the lyrics was written by Dominic Campanella who plays with the Quarter After.
You’re buried underneath the America Dream.
You got no time for nothing.
Sit at your cubicle for hours and hours.
Don’t forget about your paper towers.
Pick up the phone and talk to people you don’t like.
What’s it all for? You wish you could take a hike.
No, you gotta pay off your credit cards.
And listen to all the flippin’ retards.
Go back home and you’re tired.
So you drink some coffee and get wired.
And you get in a rage
Cause you had a terrible day.
Turn on the tube for the brainwashing.
They tell ya how to feel and it really stings.
Pop open the beer let your head fill with fear.
That leads to absolutely nothing to hear
Do it all over again the next day.
Keep on in the monotonous robotic way.
When will you say, “Is it all worth this?”
Probably only after you sink to the abyss.
Go back home and you’re tired.
So you drink some coffee and get wired.
And you get in a rage
Cause you had a terrible day.
Fight the good fight.
Don’t lose sight.
Walk in faith.
They’re gonna keep talkin’
Trash all the time.
They want to discourage you.
I don’t care
What they say.
I’m gonna keep on going.
Chorus
You can not knock me down.
You can keep talkin’ all your trash all you want.
It’s not gonna bring me down.
Talk all your fear.
The end is not so near.
Why do you act like a stuck deer?
Keep feedin’ your hysteria.
Eats ya like maleria.
And that ain’t so very good.
(I’m tellin’ ya quit it)
Chorus
You can not knock me down.
You can keep talkin’ all your trash all you want.
It’s not gonna bring me down.
You can keep talkin’ all your trash all you want.
It’s not gonna bring me down.
Where’s the hope?
We’ve been taught to believe.
Guess you’ve been washed by the soap.
(That’s right. A lot of brainwashing going around.
Stop watching the stupid tube. I’m tellin’ ya. Quit)
Chorus
You can not knock me down.
You can keep talkin’ all your trash all you want.
It’s not gonna bring me down.
You can keep talkin’ all your trash all you want.
It’s not gonna bring me down.
It’s not your fault
I’m tellin ya.
It’s not your fault.
But they wanna tell it’s your fault.
You’re not
A stupid person.
Words and Music by Jim Guittard
Dallas, Texas 2010
Improvised this lo-fi psychedelic song last night and someone’s phone rang but I kept it going like we should keep America going. America, wake up from your sleep! Download the song and pass around or RE-RECORD yourself.
Share alike. If you’re from another country besides the U.S. please insert your own country in the lyric instead and record it. We really need to work together. This Global Government thing is a bit off.
JIM GUITTARD is a 4th Generation Musician and 2nd Generation Writer.
Disclaimer:
MP3s on this site are for sampling purposes only. If you are an artist or represent an artist featured on this site and would like a file removed contact me.
