Learn and Sing Resistance Songs
We are gathering voices across Syracuse to build community, protect what we hold sacred, and work together for justice in challenging times. Through the simple, powerful act of singing together in public spaces, we create connection, refuse fear, and express our commitment to peace and collective care.
Syracuse Resistance Syracuse, joins a growing national movement (Singing Resistance) that believes singing together can be a tool for resistance and solidarity. Organized by members of the Syracuse Community Choir and other organizations.
We welcome all community members who share our vision of collective liberation, where every person and the Earth itself can thrive in safety and dignity. You don’t need any singing experience or training. All you need is your voice and your belief in justice.
Together, we’re creating the beloved community we’re working toward: neighbors bound by care and solidarity, defending life and each other.
If you are interested in connecting, please email: Singingresistancesyracuseny@proton.me
Resources
Singing Resistance Songbook (out of Minneapolis)
Rise Up Singing: Resistance Songs
ICE OUT Sing-In Resistance Songbook, compiled by Resistance Revival Chorus – background of some songs
Song list
Freedom Bound – Jane Sapp
“We have come too far
we can’t turn ‘round.
We’ll flood the streets with justice
we are freedom bound.”
This is for our neighbors – Lu Aya of the Peace Poets
This is for our people who are locked inside,
together, we will, Abolish ICE
We Are Not Afraid – Lu Aya of the Peace Poets
English:
We are not afraid, we are not afraid.
We will live for liberation
cuz we know why we were made
Spanish:
No tengo miedo, no tengo miedo.
Viviré por la libertad
porque yo se mi razon de ser
It’s Ok to Change Your Mind – Annie Schlaefer
Ooh it’s okay to change your mind
Show us your courage
Leave this behind
Ooh it’s okay to change your mind
And you can join us
Join us here anytime
Somebody’s hurting my brother – Yara Allen
Somebody’s hurting my brother
And it’s gone on far too long (x3)
Oh somebody’s hurting my brother
and it’s gone on far too long
And we won’t be silent anymore
*Variation: Scaring our children // Trying to divide us // Taking our families
We are wonderful
two parts:
We are wonderful
We are powerful
Together we rise
Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Hey (tyrants* Goodbye!
*Zipper in: billionaires, fascists, ICE – make ’em up
No one is getting left behind this time
No one is getting left behind
No one is getting left behind this time
We get there together, never get there at all (x3)
We Are Not Afraid – Pax Ressler, of the Philly Rise Choir Collective
We are not afraid
We are not afraid
When we’re singing side by side
We are not afraid
We Rise – Batya Levine – Audio, full lyrics & chords
In hope, in prayer, we find ourselves here
In hope, in prayer, we’re right here (repeat)
Take down my name ( from No More Vietnams by Fred Small); new lyrics C. Kattau
Take down my name.
I’m not alone I’m not ashamed
And I say ICE don’t come knocking at my door
We are stronger than the guns
Together we shall over come
You’re not marching into our cities anymore.
End: Take down my name.
Rising like Flowers (adapted from Oona, Peace Poets, SOAWatch Musicians Collective)
Call and response or all together:
We are many – we are small,
We are echoing – the call,
Across the waters – Across the walls,
Till there is freedom for us all 2x
Refrain:
We are rising like flowers
out the concrete.
We are (the) peacemakers
taking to the streets.