P rince released his protest song “Baltimore” on SoundCloud Saturday ahead of the Rally 4 Peace concert Sunday at the city’s Royal Farms Arena.
As a spokesperson for the pop star said earlier this week, the track is about “the unrest in Baltimore and the socio/political issues around the country in the wake of a slew of killings of young black men.”
He recorded it at his Paisley Park studio near Minneapolis.
Sample lyrics:
Does anybody hear us pray for Michael Brown and Freddie Gray?
Peace is more than the absence of war
…
Are we gonna see another bloody day?
We’re tired of crying and people dying
Let’s take all the guns away.
(h/t Billboard )
Go Behind TIME's Baltimore Protest Cover With Aspiring Photographer Devin Allen Protestor at city hall In Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen Protestor lead a march in Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen Protestors clash with police In Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen A police officer stands guard during protests in Baltimore on April 26, 2015. Devin Allen Police clash with protesters in Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen An Orioles' fan is attacked by rioters in Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen A police car is destroyed during a riot in Baltimore on April 25, 2015. Devin Allen A young boy outside of a closed off street in Baltimore on April 28, 2015 Devin Allen Protestors at a peacful rally in Baltimore on April 23, 2015. Devin Allen Residents of clean up the streets of Baltimore on April 28, 2015. Devin Allen Neighborhood residents create a peace circle, near North ave and Fulton in Baltimore on April 28, 2015. Devin Allen More Must-Reads from TIME Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0 How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024 Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024 Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision