For some the Fourth of July is a patriotic day to celebrate the independence of the United States. For others, it is a mournful reminder of a nation built on colonialism and systemic racism. Folk duo Dan + Claudia Zanes addresses the more somber side of American history with “Reparations is a Must (4th of July Love Song),” the first single off their upcoming debut album Let Love Be Your Guide, out September 10.
The entire album was conceived during the 2020 Black Lives Matter uprisings and coronavirus pandemic. The eclectic collection of tunes features a wide range of genres including gospel, R&B, and Haitian folk songs. It also reflects an optimism of mending the wounds of the past and unitedly moving forward.
Featuring an introduction from educator, author, and activist Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, “Reparations is a Must (4th of July Love Song)” is a pointed reminder that healing isn’t possible without addressing the issue of reparations.
The timely tune also features a lyric video, and duo member Claudia Zanes made the following statement of the intent of the visuals: “This video shows the kinds of images we both grew up with in New Hampshire. I saw white folks represented almost everywhere I looked. It was hard for me to find my sense of belonging. In history classes I learned very little about slavery, even less about Jim Crow, and practically nothing about the amazing achievements and contributions of Black people in America. The idea of reparations never came up! And if it had, back then I had no context. This is our way of helping families talk about one of the most important issues facing our country. If we’re not talking about reparations, what are we talking about?”
One of the songs poignant lyrics is “but if you sing This Land Is Your Land, reparations is a must.”
Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” is a classic protest standard, whose lyrics feature a strong anti-capitalistic and anti-classist message (even though the tune’s most direct lines are often omitted). The song also deserves scrutiny in response to its failure to address the effects of colonialism. Any discussion of reparations also as to include the topic of stolen land.
An important part of folk music is how it opens itself up for critique. Dan + Claudia successfully builds upon past folk traditions to further a necessary current discussion.