From the recording Give Up the Ghost - Single
“Give Up the Ghost” is a call to give up the hate that still permeates our society and recognize the history that has allowed it to continue. In talking to the ancestors involved in slavery, we acknowledge the past and release its control of us, so we can truly heal and move forward together. A unified horn section announces this song as an anthem while funky guitar work and major chord progressions belie a strong message. Subtle touches like a ghostly Hawaiian pedal steel and rich harmonies give “Give Up the Ghost” an otherworldly dimension.
Lyrics
Verse
All you Williams, lying in your graves
Do you know we’re still suffering, with the choice you made
All you Williams, in the Southern dirt
Pulling me down, ‘cause I can’t heal the hurt
Chorus
There’s a shadow from Kentucky all the way to California
It crosses Mississippi, and touches my soul
I wasn’t there for the worst of it, but I still feel the hurt of it
When hate has no home, it’s gonna give up the ghost
Verse
All you Sarahs, are you still looking down
Get off your high horse now, all your sons are brown
And all your daughters, we know our own minds
No more to be silent, no more to be blind
Chorus
There’s a shadow from Kentucky all the way to California
It crosses Mississippi, and touches my soul
I wasn’t there for the worst of it, but I still feel the hurt of it
When hate has no home, it’s gonna give up the ghost
Bridge
Gotta give it up now, while I’m living
I don’t need your ghost
Gotta give it up now, I'm still breathing
I stand on more than your bones
Chorus
There’s a shadow from Kentucky all the way to California
It crosses Mississippi, and touches my soul
I wasn’t there for the worst of it, but I still feel the hurt of it
When hate has no home, it’s gonna give up the ghost