Jared Paul, lead vocalist of Prayers For Atheists, was among the over 800 people who were arrested during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN.
More than 5,000 police officers, National Guardsmen, and agents from over 50 government agencies converged on the city to conduct mass arbitrary arrests, disrupt media coverage, and stifle dissent.
With the help of Strange Famous Records, the Coldsnap Legal Collective, Minnesota ACLU, the Community RNC Arrestee Support Structure (CRASS), and donations from supporters around the country, Jared fought his case and all charges were eventually dropped.
Jed I. Rosenberg directed this video. The additional protest footage was graciously provided by the Glass Bead Collective and Twin Cities Indy Media Center. The music was written and performed by Alan Hague (of PFA.)
"Psalm for St. Paul" is featured on Prayers for Atheists's self-titled EP, currently on sale for $7 at http://www.StrangeFamous.com. Also available on iTunes.
"PSALM FOR ST. PAUL" LYRICS
Just got out of jail at the DNCsun is shining, smiles are high.
Thanks to both my friends
in the courtroom 8 am.
Got a lawyer - had my back;
we ain't scared - that's a fact!
No respect for people's rights;
why should we plea when we can fight?
And win in court - change the laws,
that's our Movement: ANTI-WAR!!
In the streets, organize,
First Amendment - people's rights.
We ain't scared, we won't run
in the courtroom for the judge.
If they got no proof; and there's no cop,
then they got no case, all CHARGES DROP!
I ain't laying down for you -
WE'RE NOT GUILTY
Admitting what I didn't do -
WE WILL NOT PLEA
Victory - that's our cry -
FAIR TRIAL BY LAW
First Amendment, People's Rights -
PSALM FOR ST. PAUL
Just got out of jail at the RNC -
smiling girls, cheering crowd.
Thank the stars for jail support;
gave me food, gave me phone.
Found my girl, now headin' home.
Lawyers Guild erasin' bids,
A-C-L-U freein' kids
from their cells and false arrest.
Riot cops, black batons,
pepper spray, provocateurs
warrantless. So, lock your doors,
and thank The Bar for counselors
with law degrees and conscious eyes
who see a need to defend our rights;
who got the time and work for free.
They're my heroes. Hear me scream:
I ain't laying down for you -
WE'RE NOT GUILTY
Admitting what I didn't do -
WE WILL NOT PLEA
Victory - that's our cry -
FAIR TRIAL BY LAW
First Amendment, People's Rights -
PSALM FOR ST. PAUL
Protest - Yes, Sir!
Bill of Rights - It's the Law!
False arrest - No More!
See you In court!
We can win! Let's Go!
Take a deal? Hell No!
Plea bargain? No way!
Lay down? Not Me!
We can win! Let's Go!
Take a deal? Hell No!
Plea bargain? No Way!
Lay down? Not Me!
I ain't laying down for you -
WE'RE NOT GUILTY
Admitting what I didn't do -
WE WILL NOT PLEA
Victory - that's our cry -
FAIR TRIAL BY LAW
First Amendment, People's Rights -
PSALM FOR ST. PAUL
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