I Can't Breathe

by Rian Basilio

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All proceeds from the purchase of this song will go to the following organizations. NAACP, Black Lives Matter, ACLU, Common Ground Foundation and Campaign Zero. We are asking for a minimum donation of $1, but larger contributions are gladly welcomed.

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about

"I Can't Breathe" was written by Rian Basilio and recorded at Hummingbird Studios in Los Angeles, CA with the intention of donating all proceeds from the song to organizations and charities benefiting Black communities in the United States. The song is a call to action sparked by the murders of George Floyd and Eric Garner, the June 2020 protests and riots, as well as the 400 years of systematic racism and oppression that has existed in America. Through the power of music all individuals involved in the recording hope to magnify the cries for help, justice, equality and unity amongst all people of the world.

lyrics

Please Mr officer you’re killing me
I can’t breathe, no I can’t breathe
You swore for protect society
You’re violence is hypocrisy

Verse I
400 years of bloodshed
On the hands of America
My people cry out injustice
Babylon man look what you have done
Take to the streets
Cause we’ve tried it with peace
To breakdown all your systems of hate
So when will you learn
That your cities will burn
If you show violence is the way

Chorus
Please Mr officer you’re killing me
I can’t breathe no I can’t breathe
You swore for protect society
You’re violence is hypocrisy
Look into your soul and you will see
I’m not guilty of anything
You propagate atrocities
To kill the dream of equality

Verse II
400 years of oppression
In this land of America
You sacrifice all my Bredren
Tell me it’s for my own protection
Take to the streets
Cause we’ve turned all our cheeks
Yet still preach your doctrines of hate
But when will you learn
That your cities will burn
When you show violence is the way

Chorus
Please mr officer you’re killing me
I can’t breathe no I can’t breathe
You swore for protect society
You’re violence is hypocrisy
Look into your soul and you will see
I’m not guilty of anything
You propagate atrocities
To kill the dream of equality

Bridge
Only light can drive out the darkness
Only love will conquer their hate
We must change it for our children
Make our world a better place

Chorus
Please mr officer you’re killing me
I can’t breathe no I can’t breathe
You swore for protect society
You’re violence is hypocrisy
Look into your soul and you will see
I’m not guilty of anything
You propagate atrocities
To kill the dream of equality

Final Chorus
Please mr officer stand with me
And be the light for I to see
Protect our humanity
For Peace and love will set you free
Look into your soul and you will see
That we can live in harmony
Drive out hate and tyranny
Fulfill the dream of equality

credits

released June 18, 2020
Lead Vocal & Rhythm Guitar - Rian Basilio: @lovetrafficker
Drums - David Daniel Diaz: @_tripsies_
Bass - Ray "Big-Blunt" Myrie: @ultimateblunt_myrie
Keys & Horns - Andre Morris: @mramomusic
Lead Guitar - Kyle Barnett: @kyle_j_barnett
Background Vocals - Whitney Myer: @whitneymyer
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Shachar Boussani: @shachbass
Mastering Engineer - Andrew Shartle: @weareteambanzai

license

about

Rian Basilio Los Angeles, California

Rian Basilio is a musician and artist from Waikoloa, Hawaii. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. where he runs an entertainment company called "Love Trafficker". His latest release "I Can't Breathe" was recorded at Hummingbird Studios in Sherman Oaks, CA. Rian and the fellow musicians recorded the track with the intention of giving all proceeds to charities serving the black community. ... more