I released an album over 8 years ago now called In the Dust of This Planet. This song resides in the number 6 spot on this album.
Youtube Link: Baltimore Burning
Spotify Link: Baltimore Burning
The vignette for Baltimore Burning is relayed from the point of view of a busy TV studios news editorial department. The angry show producer demanding exciting content to build ratings as the "reason to be" vs just being a neutral observer . This song emerged from the cauldron of tension in Baltimore at the time. I was pondering on how I watch violence and unrest comfortably from my couch and comment on it like its an adventure movie as opposed to something happening for real right next door. The song marvels at the state of our news that seeks ratings, editorializing and wow factors…. [BREAKING NEWS!!!!} over just simply reporting the news. We now march toward 2025. Things have not changed.
I made a short post on this here as well many moons ago (30 NOV 15): Update #6: Baltimore Burning.
Additional Background
During the 2015 timeframe Baltimore was host to protests and riots that erupted following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man who sustained fatal spinal injuries while in police custody. The incident highlighted longstanding tensions between the Baltimore Police Department and the local community, leading to widespread protests over police brutality, racial injustice, and the treatment of people of color by law enforcement.
The situation escalated into violent demonstrations, rioting, looting, and clashes with police, resulting in a state of emergency being declared, the deployment of the National Guard, and the imposition of a citywide curfew. The unrest attracted national and international attention, and the events in Baltimore became symbolic of broader issues of systemic racism and the relationship between law enforcement and marginalized communities in the United States.
The aftermath of the riots led to significant discussions on police reform, community relations, and socioeconomic disparities in Baltimore and other cities facing similar issues.
