In 2021 Netflix created an series of animated shorts with each episode put to music. The series WE THE PEOPLE was designed teach people the
“basics of rights and citizenship with upbeat songs by popular artists like Janelle Monáe, H.E.R., Adam Lambert, Brandi Carlile and more.”
Brandi Carlile penned the tune – Speak Your Mind for episode 5.
Episode 5 – The First Amendment
Brandi Carlile delivers a message for the young: speak out against the forces that try to silence you — because your right to free speech is protected!
In Jambase at the time – they wrote:
Created by Chris Nee and executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, We The People brings civics lessons to a new generation through song and amination in the vein of the beloved animated series Schoolhouse Rock! Each of the series’ 10 episodes covers a different topic and features songs from Janelle Monáe, H.E.R., Adam Lambert, Andra Day and more.
Carlile’s “Speak Your Mind” appears in the Mable Ye-directed episode on the First Amendment, which includes freedom of speech and the press as well as the right to assemble among others. Watch the whole clip below.
Lyrics:
Speak Your Mind
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
There is no greater tool that you have than your voice
And nothing can take it away
You can use it for justice or the freedom of choice
Let no one dictate what you say
Speak your mind, you’re not too young
You know the future’s in your hands
No religion, man, or leader
Can keep you from this stand
Of all the wonders, both natural and built
Skyscrapers to mountain peaks
Yeah, none are permitted to silence, you hear
Long live the freedom of speech
Ah-ah-ah
There’s a light that shines in the darkness
Let nothing be hidden away
For the power belongs to the people
When there’s truth in the words that we say
Give me critics and writers, reporters (ooh)
Take a hit and open your eyes (ooh)
Yeah, knowledge is power and the freedom of press (ooh)
Is the power without taking sides
Speak your mind, you’re not too young
you know the future’s in your hands
No religion, man, or leader
Can keep you from this stand
Of all the wonders, both natural and built
And oceans from the east to the west (ah)
Yeah, nothing can stop you from pushing the pen
Ah, this is the freedom of press
Ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
We have heard that there’s strength in our numbers
Where we gather our voices are loud
Use the right that you have to assemble
In a peaceful and powerful crowd
We have all heard of walls and division (ah)
We should always choose love over hate (ah)
There is only one wall built with wisdom (ah)
It’s the the wall between church and the state
Speak your mind, you’re not too young
You know the future’s in your hands
No religion, man, or leader
Can keep you from this stand
We can always take care of our neighbors (ah)
We should gather, report, and be kind (ah)
Remember, no one can silence the masses (ah)
No one can speak you from speaking your mind
Yeah, no one can silence the masses (ah)
No one can keep you from speaking your mind
Ah-ah-ah
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Brandi Carlile
Speak Your Mind lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
