Music Break: Bruce Springsteen, American Skin (41 Shots)

“American Skin (41 Shots)” is a song written by Bruce Springsteen, inspired by the police killing death of Amadou Diallo, a 23 year old immigrant from West Africa.  Springsteen’s performance of the song in New York City’s Madison Square Garden in 2000 led to controversy

Among the lyrics:

41 shots
Lena gets her son ready for school
She says, “On these streets, Charles
You’ve got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you
Promise me you’ll always be polite
And that you’ll never ever run away
Promise Mama, you’ll keep your hands in sight”

Is it a gun? Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet? This is your life
It ain’t no secret (It ain’t no secret)
It ain’t no secret (It ain’t no secret)
No secret, my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin

The song seemed relevant to the contemporary moment.

KJ