In the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd, many artists have sought to capture the raw emotion and societal impact of this event through their work. 'Elegy' is a song we've attributed to our alternative rock alias, Divided We Fell that offers a powerful reflection on Floyd's untimely demise. Written from Floyd's perspective, the song delves deep into the pain, fear, and helplessness he experienced during his final moments, serving as both a tribute and a call to action against systemic racism and police brutality.

The opening lines of 'Elegy' set a stark scene of May 25, 2020. Floyd, trying to get by with "some fake moolah and the occasional lie," finds himself confronted by law enforcement at 8 PM. The lyrics "wanted dead or alive" foreshadow the tragic outcome of this encounter, emphasizing the fatal consequences of minor infractions for African Americans.

As the song progresses, the narrative vividly describes Floyd's arrest. The line "hands are bound, under control, pinned to the ground" encapsulates the brutality and excessive force used by the officers. The haunting repetition of "please, officer please (I can’t breathe)" and "please, man please (I can’t breathe)" echoes Floyd's desperate pleas for his life, underscoring the horror of his suffocation.

The chorus, with its refrain of "I can’t breathe," resonates deeply, evoking a visceral reaction to the injustice. The stark imagery of "one man’s neck crushed by a knee" paints a vivid picture of the scene that shocked the world. The song doesn't shy away from highlighting the apathy and impunity of the officers, described as "four on one with nothing to fear."

'Elegy' also questions the very ethos of law enforcement with the line "to serve and protect, to live and let die," juxtaposing the noble ideals of policing against the harsh reality of Floyd's death. This contrast drives home the systemic issues within law enforcement that allow such tragedies to occur.

The bridge of the song serves as a poignant reminder and a wake-up call: "it’s time to wake up, to open your eyes before you become what you most despise." This call to action urges listeners to recognize and confront the pervasive injustices in society before they perpetuate further harm.

Through its powerful lyrics and emotive delivery, 'Elegy' by Divided We Fell not only pays tribute to George Floyd but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against racial injustice. It challenges listeners to reflect on the societal structures that allowed such a tragedy to happen and to strive for a world where justice and equality prevail.

As we listen to 'Elegy', we are reminded of the human cost of systemic racism and the urgent need for change. The song is a poignant reflection on a heartbreaking event, urging us to remember Floyd's last words and to continue fighting for a better future.