Give Us a Hand
Lexington, MA
2020, Senior, Performing Arts
Silver nights with the sea breeze so alive
The sea can’t breathe, dying to see us survive
Through the clouds of smoke, we’re throwing up to the sky
Living our own lives, as climate change has arrived
Our phones in the air
Our faces to the sky
The clock is ticking down on a fate to revise
So let’s work together try to push back the time
So many different ways to go and take a stand
Against the mercury in the fish that wash up on sand
Against acidifying carbon just please understand
We can do it all together just give us a hand
So many different ways that we can demand
Against the melting caps that raise the sea onto land
Against the weather at extremes just give us a hand
Give us a hand
Give us a hand
Give us a hand
It’s the little things that make a difference
Minimize the footprint of your existence
Turn off the lights, unplug your devices
Say no to plastic, no matter the price is
We’re fighting a transforming crisis
Trying to stop the earth from falling lifeless
It all starts with you in your home,
Take short showers, give clothes you’ve outgrown
Take some action in your town
You can make a difference all around
Make a club, cleanups with your friends
Climate walkout, oh the message it sends
Call your reps, fight for their amends
We need change now we’re beginning the end
It’s our future, it’s our life
Need everyone to fight, to fix it in time
Fish dying biomagnification
Coral bleached sea acidification
Keeling carbon accumulation
The dawn rising on our generation
Can you hear me now?
We can’t burn it down
It’s our home, the only one
So many different ways to go and take a stand (take a stand)
Against the mercury in the fish that wash up on sand (oh on the sand)
Against acidifying carbon just please understand (why don’t you understand)
We can do it all together just give us a hand (give us a hand)
So many different ways that we can demand (ways to demand)
Against the melting caps that raise the sea onto land (on the land)
Against the weather at extremes just give us a hand
Give us a hand
Give us a hand
Give us a hand
Why don’t you give
Give us a hand
Give us a hand
Reflection
Reflection
The inspiration for "Give Us A Hand" stemmed from not only my experiences with environmentally-focused volunteer work but also from having the privilege to have gone to the beach. There's nothing better than feeling the seafoam brush over your feet as you watch the sunset. I'm an avid music producer, so I decided the best way to approach this contest was by writing a song. I created the background track from scratch, trying to embody the peace of being on the beach at dusk. The writing process was very challenging - I had to delve deep into research to put words into meaningful lyrics. While looking for footage to put in my video, I saw many clips about the climate crisis, which visualized the urgency of the climate issue. By looking at all this content, I learned about not only the science behind the changing climate but also the glimmers of hope that have arisen. The movements that are being led by my generation give me hope for a cleaner future. SO many people are motivated to fight for change, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement! In the time of coronavirus, where we’re all stuck inside and can’t strike or participate in cleanups, this contest reminded me there are still ways to help out from home, whether it be through spreading awareness or donating or calling your representatives. I hope my song inspires people to take leadership in their own communities to empower the climate movement!