Thank you for allowing my music into your life!

PREACHER MAN – VOL. 1  © 2025 CESO Enterprises, Inc.

01 01:03    Freedom Prayer  

02 08:46    Rainbow Soul   

03 07:38    New World   

04 04:22    Turning Tables featuring Lindsey Wilson *  

05 03:57    No Crowns For Clowns featuring Elijah Dixon Owens   

06 05:21    If A Woman Had Made The World featuring Kiena Williams  

07 05:57    Save The Children   

08 05:05    We Will Get Through This featuring Yanitza Lee  

09 04:53    Orange Blues featuring Wendy A. Ward   

10 05:50    I Hate Hate featuring Judy Gorman & Pam Hamilton  

11 05:11    The Choice   

Publishing rights are owned by CESO Enterprises, Inc. (ASCAP)

* Publishing rights are shared between CESO Enterprises, Inc. (ASCAP) and Cedar River Productions (ASCAP)

Arranged & Produced by Chris Oledude

Thank you for your support! 

Buying recordings and merchandise directly from our website supports Chris Oledude in the most direct and powerful manner. 

Spread the word so we can all be heard!

Made in the USA.

Credit for this work -- and eternal gratitude -- go to all of the following individuals whose talents made this album possible.

Production: 

Mark Dann (Recording, Mastering) – Mark Dann Studio, Woodstock, NY (All songs)

Kat Lewis (Recording) – Sheriff Bob Studio, NYC (All songs except for Freedom Prayer, No Crowns For Clowns, Orange Blues)

Craig Levy (Recording) – Little Pioneer Cider House, NYC (No Crowns For Clowns)

Lead Vocals:   

Chris Oledude (All songs)

Judy Gorman (I Hate Hate)

Pamela Hamilton (I Hate Hate)

Yanitza Lee (We Will Get Through This)

Elijah Dixon Owens (No Crowns 4 Clowns)

Wendy A. Ward (Orange Blues)

Kiena Williams (If A Woman Had Made The World)

Lindsey Wilson (Turning Tables)

Featured Background Vocalist: 

Kiena Williams (Rainbow Soul, Turning Tables)

Background Vocals (All songs except for Freedom Prayer, No Crowns For Clowns, Orange Blues):

Kelly Berman, Liz Dreyer, Judy Gorman, Pam Hamilton, Amy Kessler, Yanitza Lee, Nyasha Liang, Naomi Nissen, Ellen Mendlow, Chris Owens (All songs), Elijah Dixon Owens, Geoffrey Owens, Debbie Quinn, Lindsey Wilson, M. Vern Woodhead

Drums: 

Beau Brady (Rainbow Soul, Turning Tables, If A Woman Had Made The World, Save The Children, I Hate Hate)

Eric Parker (Orange Blues) 

Lead Guitar: 

Greg DiBenedetto (Rainbow Soul, New World, Turning Tables)

Ned Matura (Orange Blues)

Tomas Rodriguez (We Will Get Through This)

Clyde Spillenger (If A Woman Had Made The World)

Zack Staples (Save The Children, The Choice)

Rhythm Guitar: 

Mark Dann (Turning Tables, Save The Children)

Geoffrey Owens (Orange Blues)

Piano and Organ: 

Ross Rice (Orange Blues) 

Recorder - Soprano: 

Chris Oledude (The Choice) 

Saxophone: 

Charles Frommer (Orange Blues)

Justin Tinker (Save The Children, We Will Get Through This)

Instrument Programming:  

Chris Oledude (All songs except Freedom Prayer, I Hate Hate)

Art / Design Work: 

Elton Leonard @ the peoplesartist.ny

1. Freedom Prayer

© 2025 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP) [Music: Traditional)

In putting together the album PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1, Chris Oledude wanted to kick-off the work with a short reflection on the struggles for freedom throughout history, and particularly for those taking place within the United States and within this past half-century or so. Furthermore, he wanted to pay homage to the tradition of “Negro spirituals” and the larger “folk tradition” — take a melody you like and add the words you need to get your message across.

In 2025, we have been reeling from an onslaught of negative backsliding by our public sector institutions, accompanied by cowardice on the part of man private-sector players and not-for-profit institutions as well. The expansion of human rights within the United States of America has been halted and reversed — there are some difficult days ahead.

Accordingly, the song “Oh, Freedom” has been on Oledude’s mind. A short and simple version starts off the album. After all, why do we caged birds sing? Because we …

Hope for freedom!

Search for freedom!

Work for freedom — you and me!

Keep forgiving me, somehow.

We should be doing better now.

Raise our voice! Sing out loud!

Keep us free!

2. Rainbow Soul

© 1984, 2022 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

There’s a story here.

In 1984, Rev. Jesse J. Jackson campaigned for the Democratic Party’s nomination to be President of the United States. This was 12 years after the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm had broken new political ground with her Presidential candidacy. Jackson’s profile was significant, and many voters — both Black and otherwise — were looking for answers to the election of President Ronald Reagan. Not unlike more recent elections featuring Rep. Bernie Sanders, Rev. Jackson was able to create, at least in spirit, the “Rainbow Coalition” as a progressive force within the Democratic Party.

Former Vice President Walter Mondale was the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. He was a “safe” candidate for the Party and held the “center” and more “right-leaning” Democrats — or so they thought. There was also Senator Gary Hart, who appealed to a different (more flaky) percentage of the center-right Democrats as well as liberal Democrats who liked the handsome, thoughtful, tall white man.

Jackson’s platform was one that most progressive voters would support today. It was quite “left” and even included support for the formation of a Palestinian state and support for Gay rights. The Jackson platform was shut out of the Democratic Party’s national platform that year, but the Rainbow Coalition effort strengthened and became more sophisticated. Four years later, in 1988, Rev. Jackson as a Presidential candidate and the progressive platform espoused by the Rainbow Coalition were much more successful. Most importantly, Jackson’s campaigns led to changes in the Democratic Party’s rules that allowed for a greater level of inclusion for all Democrats in the selection of the Presidential nominee.

In Brooklyn, NY, one of the nation’s most dense Black counties (Black people per square mile), there was a political frenzy. Almost every Black activist and elected official wanted to jump on the Jackson train. In the geographic area formerly represented by Congresswoman Chisholm — and now split into two “Black districts” — there were multiple slates of candidate running for the same New York State Delegate and Alternate slots at the Democratic National Convention. There was no question that Black turnout in the New York State Primary Election would increase, even if no one knew who would actually end up being a Delegate or Alternate.

Witnessing the frenzy up close through his father’s eyes and ears, Chris Oledude was inspired to write the song RAINBOW SOUL. In general, the lyrics speak for themselves and include a phrase written by his father, the late Congressman Major Owens. Over the years, however, Oledude updated the lyrics slightly to also pay homage to Owens’ esteemed colleague and friend in the House of Representatives, John Lewis. Oledude also made a musical shift. The original 1984 version of Rainbow Soul was a fast 4/4 Gospel beat. The 2025 version has more “funk.”

The additional change was the use of the rainbow as a symbol supporting the LGBTQIA communities. Oledude welcomed this “expansion” of the message. “My lyrics are not specifically tailored to LGBTQIA issues, but I believe that supporting love and peace means supporting all people’s right to live and love freely.”

As we close out 2025, RAINBOW SOUL has emerged as an anthem for all efforts to infuse our policy and political decisions with humanity … with love … with the rainbow.

————

“Rainbow! Be the rainbow! Go, rainbow!

She the rainbow! Go, rainbow!

He the rainbow! Go, rainbow!

They the rainbow!”

“Go, rainbow soul! Go, rainbow soul!

Rainbow soul! Our rainbow soul!”

VERSE 1:

Put your trust in me!

I put my trust in you.

If we will be free, we have to do the

things that are not fun --

missiles and poverty –

trying to be one and find a new way.

BRIDGE:

There’s a light at the end of ev’ry tunnel;

with each night a new day!

All around us challenges rise,

democracy in flames!

Join the people!

It’s time to make good trouble!

Bring your joy and your pain.

In the name of justice for all,

the rainbow shines each day!

CHORUS:

(Sing out love!)     

There’s a rainbow in my soul!

(Shout out love!)  

There’s a rainbow in your soul!

(Share the love!)  

There’s a rainbow in our souls!

(Precious love!)     

Let your rainbow shine each

color ev’ry day in ev’ry way!

INTERLUDE

“Rainbow soul! Go, rainbow soul!

Rainbow soul! Our rainbow soul!”

VERSE 2:

In you, I see myself! 

I want the best for you:

comfort and good health,

more joy and less pain.

And we may disagree

on borders, philosophies,

but we all live and love. 

Yes, we are the same.

BRIDGE

CHORUS

BREAK:

Two hundred fifty years of

major changes were not planned.

America, you always need our

willing, helping hands,

our loving hands!

Yes, we can!  Save this land!  

Yes, we can!

So many died to build the dream!  

Keep hope alive!  We still believe!

“Rainbow soul! Go, rainbow soul!

Rainbow soul! Our rainbow soul!”

VERSE 3:

Put your trust in me!

I put my trust in you.

We can all be free to

find that new way.  So,

tear down ev’ry wall –

the fears that divide us! 

We’re sending out the call

together, today!

BRIDGE

CHORUS

VAMP jam:

It is on the street,

all around my feet and here in me!

Come on take my hand, we must

march and build our promised land!

3. New World

© 1983, 2025 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

Originally titled “Reality In Love”, NEW WORLD is a song with roots in Irish folk music… and Heavy D! It is a protest against the capitalist and imperialist waves that swamp humanity and lead to violent conflicts, as well as the ongoing effort to mobilize people of good will to find and establish the different common grounds needed to resist violence.

—————

“No more rockets!  No more bombs! 

Bring your drones down to the ground!”

CHORUS:

I’m just lookin’ for a few good women and men

who want some peace for this world!

I just want a strong and solid

commitment to love … to love!

It takes just a few good women and men

to spread some hope in this world!

I know we can build a new world with our love! 

A new world with our love!

VERSE 1:

Maybe it’s time for us to start

lookin’ around at what is goin’ down!

Maybe it’s time to live and to dare.  

You know we’ve got to start to care!

Maybe it’s time for us to start

fighting lies by always asking “why”.

Maybe it’s time for a change! 

Maybe it’s time … 

VERSE 2:

Our brothers and sisters

throughout the world are

marred by oppression’s scars.

Greed is the killer both here and there!  

Power mongers just can’t care!

Listen to leaders play at

compassion games with only selfish aims.

Maybe it’s time for a change! 

Maybe it’s time for a change! 

Yes, maybe it’s time …

BRIDGE:

I have a dream of a better world! 

All that I need is other dream believers.

Taking a stand, we will all be heard

through our voices and our tears.

People need us far and near! 

We must try  --  yes, you and I!

CHORUS

BREAK:

“From the river to the sea,

everyone can be free!

From the sea to the river,

stop the violence forever!”

“We will learn to live together

when we celebrate each other!”

VERSE 3:

All of our nations are like a world of

rats caught in a vicious pack!

Loving and peace are always so rare. 

You know we’ve got to start to care!

War wouldn’t ever breed without the

boundaries caused by inequality.

Maybe it’s time for a change! 

Maybe it’s time for a change! 

Yes, maybe it’s time …

BRIDGE

CHORUS (with altered endings)

“No more rockets!  No more bombs! 

Bring your drones down to the ground!”

“Build the peace, stop the hate!

We know it’s never too late!”

4. Turning Tables featuring Lindsey Wilson

© 2024 Lora-Ellen McKinney (ASCAP) & Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

TURNING TABLES was first conceived by psychologist Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney in 2022 as she was preparing a multi-media exhibition titled "P3: The Painting & Poetry Project" in Seattle, Washington.  The exhibition was a collaboration between Dr. McKinney's writings and graphic, physical or musical art by various creators to complement the writings.  Her poem "Set The Captives Free" inspired long-time friend Chris Oledude to write the song "White Lie: Carolyn's Story" and prepare an accompanying video.

Dr. McKinney, also an award-winning dancer and author, is the eldest daughter of the late Louise Jones, an accomplished business leader, and the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Samuel McKinney, long-time pastor of Seattle's Mount Zion Baptist Church and close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Her personal perspective on social justice is infused with the lessons by and from both of her parents. For more information, click here.

After preparing the 2022 show, Dr. McKinney and Oledude talked about McKinney's "Turning Tables" lyric ideas.  During 2023, Oledude was moved to write the music and, after performing the song in New York with an ad hoc group of musicians at a celebration of Dr. King's birthday holiday in 2024, Oledude committed himself to making a definitive recording -- which took another 18 months to complete.

As one can tell from the title, the song's message for today's audiences is rooted in the work of the prophet Jesus in confronting the rich and powerful individuals and institutions of his time.  It is the poorer people in each society who can truly say that the more things change, the more they remain the same.  And so the struggle must continue...

TURNING TABLES is the third single released from PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1.  It has been released through Tunecore and can be found on most streaming services.

Chris Oledude lent his voice to one of Lindsey Wilson’s recent releases, A Kiss For Our Democracy .

—————

“Stop the oligarchs today!

Save our jobs! Fight for fair pay!”

“They say cut back! We say fight back!

Cut back! Fight back!

VERSE 1:

Jesus told a parable;

he said workers must be paid

with wages earned set high enough

to buy their daily bread.

Christ’s parable is not the law!

Our workers’ checks don’t pay

for housing, food, our child care needs

nor bus fare every day.

VERSE 2: 

That Momma’ can’t give her little boy

one dollar for the store!

She works so hard from 9 to 5.

How come she still is poor?

And this Daddy must send his little girl

to school without a meal.

Then he prays that his hoopty car

won’t have no steal appeal.

REFRAIN: 

You know that

bosses can’t withhold fair pay! 

We wrestle with them every day!

CHORUS:

Working folks should not be poor! 

Turning tables! Turn those tables!

We won’t take this anymore! 

Turning tables! Turn those tables!

Working folks should not be poor! 

Turning tables! Turn those tables!

We won’t take this anymore! 

Turning tables! Turn them now!

BRIDGE 1: 

We shine that righteous light

to make the wrongs all right!

The true economy means

invest in you and me.

So, spread the word around:

a battle’s going down!

Hard lessons have been learned. 

Some tables must be turned!

solo BREAK

VERSE 3: 

Sister, you are earning less

each hour than your brother.

And, brother, why accept this

when you can help one another?

Don’t get hurt at work or sick

because you can’t give up that time.

Does not matter who you are!  

Don’t you think you should draw some lines?

REFRAIN 

CHORUS 2X with ad libs

BRIDGE 2 with ad libs:

Hard lessons have been learned. 

We have so much to learn!

We battle for fair pay! 

We wrestle every day!

We shine the righteous light! 

We won’t give up the fight!

Hard lessons have been learned.  

CLOSING:

Some tables must be turned!

—————

Lindsey Wilson is a NYC singer-songwriter with a flare for nostalgia with her memorable mix of 70's style urban folk rock and conscious lyrics. Throughout her musical career, Lindsey Wilson has embraced issues of the heart and mind within her original music. Love songs, protest tunes and lyrics of empowerment have all been a true representation of her style and sensibilities. Her songs “Stand for the People” and the “People Shall Rise” have caught the attention of culturally diverse audiences throughout the country. Lindsey's influences stem from a myriad of musically conscious voices such as Odetta, Richie Havens, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Armatrading. However, Lindsey's message is truly her own. 

As a strong supporter of her community.  Lindsey has worked as a Board member for Kupanda Sisters, Inc. She has travelled to Guyana, South America on behalf of the organization as Executive Music Director for Kupanda Sisters, Inc. While there, she facilitated musical empowerment workshops for children. Lindsey is currently employed as a Workforce Development Specialist, for a non-profit organization serving young adults and their families along the East coast.

For more about Lindsey Wilson, click here .

5. No Crowns For Clowns featuring Elijah Dixon Owens

© 2025 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

Yes, this is another "political" song coming from a patriotic center-left perspective! In Amerikkka, these are dangerous times and resistance is mandatory! 

As the second release from PREACHER MAN - VOL. 1, NO CROWNS FOR CLOWNS is a “no holds barred” declamation against the political leadership of today here in the United States. Artists are standing up all over the world in opposition to authoritarian and prejudiced governments and their policies, as well as to violence and war as tools to resolve conflicts. Here at home, our President has represented the “worst in us” – as well as his own vices. 

Inspired by the “No Kings” uprising, Chris wanted to write an appropriate musical piece. Suddenly, one day he was hit with the rhythmic synergy between William Blake’s famous poem, The Tyger, and the phrase “liar, liar” … and, behold, a song was born. Chris then recruited his eldest son, Elijah, to serve as the second lead on the song.

After winning awards world-wide for his “George Floyd: Say Their Names” and “Orange Blues 24” videos, Chris Oledude would have loved to utilize a grass-roots animated video. Voila! A friend of a friend made animated videos … and also despises Trump. He liked the song and pulled together some great clips, which Chris stitched together into a very cool video. Click here to see the NO CROWNS FOR CLOWNS video.

—————

“Hey, hey! Ho, ho!

Donald Trump has got to go!”

VERSE 1:

Liar, Liar, burning bright… torching all that’s good and right…

spouting sick philosophies while stamping out democracy.

In what distant trauma show was spawned this putrid bile that flows?

From what dead sun did you fall, committed to destroy us all?

So, share those insecurities who dominate so thoroughly

that your ego always slips its chains, insisting all must praise thy name.

Liar, Liar, burning bright… seeking headlines day and night.

What corrupted heart and mind sustains thy soul-less, rotting rind?

BREAK 1

VERSE 2:

Liar, Liar, burning bright… seeking headlines day and night.

A cracked, corrupted heart and mind, sustains thy soul-less, rotting rind.

Take hammer, anvil! Build the forge! You crave a sparkling throne so large.

Replace with gold the house that’s white, but those you rule know that’s not right.

Great nations feed the starving, protect rights, stop health care carving,

provide jobs and voter access, while the wealthy pay fair taxes!

Yes, great nations support schools and thinking, work to save our planet,

linking liberty with peace and progress. But, you bring evil, greed and darkness.

BREAK 2

Liar, Liar, burn away! No crowns for clowns are here today.

Your corruption will be cleared by righteous folk and heaven’s tears.

No crowns for clowns are here today – jester l’orange will burn away.

No crowns for clowns even tomorrow. All you had was time you borrowed.

REFRAIN:

Liar, liar, burn away … No crowns for clowns today…

Liar, liar, we will fight! No crowns for clowns! That’s right!

VAMP:

No crowns for clowns!

—————

Elijah Dixon Owens, the second lead vocalist, is a 2019 graduate of Earlham College. He spent three years teaching various grades in Japan and then taught history and English Language Arts to 5th Grade students at a Bronx middle school.  

Elijah loves music and was a member and leader of an a cappella group in college, amongst other activities.  He also loves debate, politics, and public speaking -- he won the Declamation contest at his high school, the Brooklyn Latin School.

For several years, Elijah served as a volunteer for the Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission -- a non-profit organization founded by his grandfather, the late Congressman Major R. Owens (D-NY).

Elijah recently started to work as a Child Protective Specialist with the City of New York’s Agency for Children’s Services.

6. If A Woman Had Made The World featuring Kiena Williams

© 1983 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

IF A WOMAN HAD MADE THE WORLD was written for and originally dedicated to Chris Owens' mother, the late Ethel Werfel Owens (www.ethelwerfelowens.net). The song started as a collaboration between Chris and his two brothers, Geoffrey and Millard, who provided him with feedback on the early lyrics, the melody and the song structure. The 1983 Benson-esque guitar solo was played by one Clyde Spillenger, who had just graduated from Princeton University (where he met the up and coming guitar phenom, Stanley Jordan) and was pursuing a career in law.

For the record, Clyde was never fully satisfied with the solo, but Chris absolutely loved it! Clyde has been on the faculty of UCLA's law school since 1993 and considers himself a "jazz guitarist in a law professor's body." This vintage recording, released in 1984 on Chris' album-length cassette ANYONE'S REVOLUTION, was made using an 8-Track board -- bouncing a number of tracks around to accommodate all the inputs. The sound quality, therefore, was not ideal.

In March of 2022, celebrating Women's History Month, Chris prepared an inspiring lyric video to accompany the original version song. You can see it — with the original 1983 recording — on the ARTIVISTUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fev9w6QxopQ&ab_channel=ARTivistUS). The dedication has been updated to include Chris' late wife, Sandra E. Dixon, who died in 2019 after a two-year struggle with cervical cancer. (www.sandradixon.rocks).

This 2025 version of IF A WOMAN HAD MADE THE WORLD was arranged and produced to capture the unique and magical energy of women that can make itself known when women chant and dance together. Chris Oledude was finally able to fulfill his vision of the song as a duet featuring a powerful female voice. The wonderful Kiena Williams does the song justice! And Mr. Spillenger, now a professor preparing for retirement from law but not music, agreed to provide another wonderful guitar solo.

—————

“Take a look at the world today!

We’ve got to find a better way!”

“If a woman had made the world!”

VERSE 1:

If a woman had made the world, 

families would live.

If a woman had made the world,

everyone would freely give.

There’d be support for ev’ry soul.    

Man would really know how to love!

What a different today!

Diff’rent thoughts and diff’rent ways!         

If a woman had made the world,

I’d be unafraid!

VERSE 2:

If a woman had made the world, 

everyone would care.

Not a starving child around.

We would only know how to share.       

There’d be no word called “poverty”.   

There would be no selfishness

and no greed!    

What a different today!

Diff’rent thoughts and diff’rent ways!         

If a woman had made the world,

I’d be unafraid!

GUITAR SOLO

BREAK:

Brothers, look around you!

What do you see?   

Your efforts at creation: war and misery!

Sisters, it is your turn to take the lead!

History has chained you! 

It’s time to break free! 

VERSE 3:

If a woman had made the world,

nations would be sane.

Peace and harmony as guides…

sympathy and trust would reign.     

There’d be no nuclear nightmares.             

No competition blinding the way!       

What a beautiful today!              

Diff’rent thoughts and diff’rent ways!

If a woman had made the world,

I’d be unafraid!  (HOLD)

ENDING

If a woman had made the world, … 

I’d be unafraid!

Unafraid! Yes, I’d be unafraid!

—————

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Kiena Williams is an operatic soprano who also loves other genres of music and performance.  She first met and worked with Chris Oledude in 2024 at a Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration.

Some of Kiena’s recent features include: Il Tabarro (Ensemble, Giorgetta Cover - OnSite Opera), Festival de coros del fin del Mundo "Naturaleza" Argentina (Soloist- Essence of Joy Alumni Singers), Daniel Fish's "Bold New Work" Most Happy in Concert (Williamstown Theater Festival), and the Elizabeth Greenfield Award Competition (James Toland Vocal Arts - Finalist). 

Kiena proudly serves as a Conductor at the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, a Vocal Adjunct at the Calhoun School, and a Voice Faculty member at The Trinity School. She received her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University, having graduated from New York's own Fiorella H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

https://www.kienawilliams.com

https://youtu.be/cCVGp_rcSSE?feature=shared

7. Save The Children

© 1983 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

This song is a straightforward condemnation of the indiscriminate violence of war and the horror visited upon war’s primary victims — children.

For those hearing this in 2025 and applying it to the Israel-Hamas battles, know that this song does indeed apply to that reality (as well as many others). It applies as much to those who fire terrorist rockets into Israel as it does to the catastrophic bombardment of Gaza. It applies as much to those who rip apart families by taking hostages as it does to those who rip apart families by taking political prisoners. Yes, a plague on all the houses who either don’t care about “collateral damage” or who choose to embrace that concept.

The original version was a galloping 6/8 rocker that hit the listener like a missile. Chris Oledude decided, however, that the gravitas inherent to the message the message dictated some musical modifications.

—————

VERSE 1:

Sellers of death, you tell a lie;

wish to live, but work to die!

Traders in murder every day;

blood won’t wash your sins away!

Building an arsenal of tears –

glass-house peace from solid fear.

Strength needing strength, but, in the end,

the hardest hit are under ten!

Violent nations on all sides!

As the bombs fall, hear the babies cry!

VERSE 2:

How does a bomb apologize

to the child who’s lost her eyes?

How can our governments explain

the randomness of the insane?

Wrongs always right as we defend

rights all wrong for innocents!

Natives, invaders, helping hands …

all cause graveyards to expand!

Violent nations on all sides!

as the bombs fall, hear the babies cry!

CHORUS:

People, save the children!    

Why should they have to die?

Give me one good reason 

why they should die for our sins!

BREAK

VERSE 3:

What is democracy in death…

sacred freedoms never felt?

What is an opportunity

when bombs threaten you and me?

Parents, the children dying there

are your children dying here.

Raised in acceptance of the bombs,

is your child just a bit too calm?

Callousness from fear rules their lives.

Will they still care when the babies cry?

CHORUS:

People, save the children!

Why should they have to die?

Give me one good reason

why they should die for our sins!

8. We Will Get Through This featuring Yanitza Lee

© 2024 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP)

During the Summer of 2023, Chris Oledude became engaged with administrative work for small not-for-profit organization concerned with mental health and substance abuse challenges. The assignment was a one-year project and Chris was impressed with the commitment and the vision.

As the assignment ended in August, 2024, Chris wrote a song, WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, and dedicated it to the Philipstown Behavioral Health Hub in Cold Spring, NY. It was performed for the first time by Chris on August 31st.

Since that day — after the 2024 Election and all that has followed — the message of love expressed by WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS has grown to reflect a broader and deeper need for hope and support on the part of people throughout New York State and all the states.

“This is the ‘sweetest’ song I have ever written,” says Oledude. “I have written ballads before, but they have been filled with the intensity of romantic love and/or passion. This song focuses on friendships built through love.”

WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS is being released as a single and will be available on streaming platforms soon.

—————

VERSE 1:

I can’t dance inside your mind,

but I can share what’s here in mine.

We can get through this. 

We will get through this!

All the weakness, fear and loss

twirling with tornado force … 

We can get through this.

We will get through this!

Ev’ry day is such a test. 

Often, I don’t know what’s best for me,

but I’m here for you, totally.

CHORUS 1:

If you hold onto me, let me hold on to you,

we can get through this! 

We will get through this! 

I am hope and I’m here

with a love that is true. 

We will get through this. 

Together, we’ll get through this!   

I know …

INTERLUDE - GUITAR SOLO

VERSE 2:

After sunshine comes the rain. 

Shades of grey cloud up my brain. 

I can get through this. 

I will get through this! 

If that’s happening to you,

let’s find the light, me and you! 

I can get through this. 

I will get through this!

We are loved and we matter,

even when we are shattered.

I am here for you, totally! 

CHORUS 2:

If you hold onto me, let me hold on to you,

we can get through this! 

We will get through this! 

I am hope and I’m here

with a love that is true. 

We can get through this. 

Together, we’ll get through this!   

BREAK:  

When you swing low, I’ll take you higher! 

When you grow cold, I’ll bring your fire! 

When the trolls come, I’ll be your warrior!  

We can do this together!  

Yes, do this together!  

When the night falls, I’ll bring your starshine!  

When the words fail, I’ll have the right rhyme!  

In that moment, I will be on time!       

We can do this together!   

I love you forever… Forever!  

REPEAT CHORUS 2 TWICE WITH AD LIBS

CLOSING with ad libs

——-

Yanitza Lee sings soprano and is a Certified Music Therapist.  She first met and worked with Chris Oledude in 2024 at a Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration.

She is a graduate of Hunter College in New York City, where she received her Bachelor's in Music in Music Performance with a concentration in Classical Voice.  During her time at Hunter, Yanitza participated in the Opera Program which featured new operas in partnership with OPERA America.

Yanitza earned her M.A. degree in Music Therapy from New York University.  She enjoys playing music with friends.

9. Orange Blues featuring Wendy A. Ward

© 2020 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP) & Wendy A. Ward

Chris Oledude highlights the human condition when discussing ORANGE BLUES: "When we're upset, we need to be comforted. Hugs work really well! Kisses can be extremely effective! I am channeling that crisis-grounded need for physical love that we are all experiencing right now."

"Almost everyone around the world deals daily with the insanity of Trumpocracy," says Chris Oledude. "As an artist, my job is to acknowledge the oppressive and depressing nature of the former President's behavior and policies, but I have to do it through the lens of the Blues writers and performers who have done this for years."

"ORANGE BLUES is a tribute to every man and woman who feels overwhelmed these days. Between COVID-19 and Trumpocracy, there was plenty of stress for all. As we have learned in the most dramatic manner, however, our message must be clear: Trumpocracy must go; but whether it disappears or not, WE will endure, survive and prove victorious."

Oledude gathered socially-distanced musicians in a backyard up in Woodstock, New York. "A beautiful June Sunday in 2020 made our recording possible, but I had a node on my vocal cord that limited my singing.  I had surgery the following month.” During the initial recording, co-lead vocalist Wendy A. Ward wrote her hysterically on-point additional lyrics, the live band “kicked ass” and the entire song clicked!

Oledude is proud: ”The current version of ORANGE BLUES features a new lead vocal track from me, new background vocals and a remix.  I am VERY pleased with the result and I hope we can contribute to the tsunami of protest art that will sweep away those Orange Blues a/k/a The Trumpastrophic Plague!"

—————

VERSE 1:

Red is the color of my true love’s lips!        

Each one is big and rich and ripe

like her most luscious hips.   

She wraps her legs around me,

rocks me like a sea cruise.

Then I wake up in the morning

in a storm of crazy news. 

REFRAIN:

I got the blues! 

I got those crazy Orange Blues!     

Baby, please don’t feel that

your love’s being used,

but I need desire’s fire to

burn through those Orange Blues!

VERSE 2:

Black is the color of my true love’s hair. 

There might even be a

lighter-colored strand somewhere.  

But, I will stroke and pull those

precious locks all night,

‘cause in the morning when I wake up

ev’ry day is such a fight. 

REFRAIN

VERSE 3:

Tender is the nature of my

true love’s touch.  (Yes, baby!)

It’s so sensational and wonderful

and never too much!  (Ain’t no maybe!)

I get lost in the curves and the

warmth of your skin,  (Tell me more!)

‘cause only white hot love will

fix the fix that I’m in. 

REFRAIN:

I got the blues! 

(I know what I got to do!)

I got those crazy Orange Blues! 

(Repaint that color scheme for you!)

Oh, baby, please don’t feel that

your love’s being used, (Oh, please!)

but I need desire’s fire

to burn through those Orange Blues!

(I got your cure!)

SOLOS

BRIDGE:

You’ve got the voice of an angel and you

use the devil’s tongue! (Like fire to wood!)

The passion of your purpose will keep

me forever young.  (When I’m good!)

I want to praise your lovin’ when the

sun comes up each day,  (Another day!)

but a Twitter-tweeted headline

leaves my thoughts in disarray!  Well…

VERSE 4: 

There will come a mornin’;

(There will come a mornin’!)

there will come that day… 

Another night of sweaty steamin’

(Sweaty steamin’!), then the

deep sleep falls away (Away!)…

We’ll open up our eyes and ears

after a blissful night (A blissful night!)

and we’ll share a stress-free love

because we’ve fin’lly won the fight! 

REFRAIN:

We beat those blues!  (Speak your truth!) 

We beat those insane Orange Blues! 

(I got what you need!)

Oh baby, now you know our love’s a force

-- we can’t lose – because we

took desire’s fire and

burned those Orange Blues!

(Those Orange Blues!)

CLOSING 

We burned through those orange blues!

(Those Orange Blues!)

Oh, baby!  We kicked those blues away!

Yes, and the orange one with them!  That’s right!

—————

Wendy Ward and Chris Oledude first met in 1983 before Wendy attended medical school. They have remained friends ever since.  Their bond was music.  Wendy loves to write songs and sing, and Chris loves Wendy's songs, her singing, and her presence.

Wendy was the featured vocalist and "actress" in the award-winning music video, "George Floyd: Say Their Names."  Wendy herself was the recipient of an award, Best Female Model In A Music Video, from the 2021 Sweden Film Awards.

Known as "Dr. Wendy", Wendy Ward is a physician – a board-certified anesthesiologist who has been practicing medicine for 30 years – and a Life Transformation Specialist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst (where she also was a star basketball player) and received her Medical Degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Dr. Wendy is also certified in the holistic disciplines of Acupuncture and Reflexology. 

Wendy is the Founder and CEO of MPower Productions – a multimedia inspirational educational production company – which she started more than 10 years ago. MPower allows her to feed her passion and use her gifts.

Wendy’s philosophy is that everyone has a purpose and deserves an even playing field of opportunity to maximize their full potential, realize their dreams, and fulfill that purpose. She believes that as each person can fulfill their purpose, collectively, it serves as a major precursor to achieving the ultimate goal of establishing world ‘love, peace and unity’, creating a win-win for all.

wendyward@mpowerproductions.com 

www.mpowerproductions.com

www.cprforempowerment.com

10. I Hate Hate featuring Judy Gorman & Pam Hamilton

© 2025 ChristOpher R. Owens (ASCAP)

The most recent composition by Chris Oledude, I HATE HATE is a condemnation of both Hamas and Israel’s government — as well as those who choose to approach any violent conflict with a rigid ideological framework.

The path to peace will always be filled with potholes and will require much work and much time - particular in this region of the world. There is no perspective regarding this or any other conflict that stands on solid ground other than the acceptance that hate will never make a positive contribution to the peace effort.

CHORUS 1:

I hate hate! So, I must fight with love!

I hate hate! So, I must work with love!

I hate hate! So, I must lead with love!

I hate hate! So, I must live with love!

VERSE 1:

Jack stands here, weak, while demons shred his soul!

Who should he be?  What is his proper role?

He’s furious!  He’s been so long abused.

But, he’ll be damned if his anger you will use!

“I stand with people”, he says, “and not with warring nations …

whose rockets kill, whose lies promote starvation!

They preach to us of faith and lost homelands dear,

but my son and my daughter lie slaughtered and dead right here.”

That’s why …

REPEAT CHORUS 1

VERSE 2:

Jill stands strong against ideologies

that worship ownership instead of worshiping peace.

We’re born!  We live!  We die!  We’re all the same!

So, don’t commit your murders…

no more murders in her name. 

She cries,“The trail of facts may never make things clear.

(“The trail of facts may never be clear.)

Will we use them to start or stop the tears?

(We need to stop the tears?)

I stand against the horrors on all sides!

(The horrors on all sides!)

Our children’s deaths cannot be justified!”

(Don’t try to justify!)

REPEAT CHORUS 1 with ad libs

BREAK 1:

(We hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate!)

We are trying to build!  We don’t want to kill! 

When you bathe in the greed, the wars follow, indeed! 

We got “-archies” and “-isms”! Violence chops up our

souls and the hearts.  Yes, everyone bleeds!

End the objections!  Make the corrections!

Change your direction! Make your peace!

BREAK 2:

(We hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate!)

Stop polluting young minds with irrational lies! 

If you value respect, peace is possible yet!

We need food! We need water! 

What we don’t need is slaughter! 

We must sing all together or the sun will set.

End the objections!  Make the corrections!

Change your direction! Make your peace!

CHORUS 2 TWICE THROUGH WITH AD LIBS:

We hate hate! So, we must fight with love!

We hate hate! So, we must work with love!

We hate hate! So, we must lead with love!

We hate hate! So, we must live with love!

CLOSING with ad libs:

End the objections!  Make the corrections!

Change your direction! Make your peace!

—————

Judy Gorman’s singing and guitar work are infused with blues, folk, and jazz. She has performed for the United Nations, at festivals, universities, concert halls, and peace, environmental and human rights events internationally. Judy has shared the stage with Pete Seeger, Odetta, Harry Belafonte, Whoopi Goldberg, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Suzanne Vega, Richie Havens, the Indigo Girls, Meryl Streep and James Earl Jones. 

Born and educated in NYC, Judy earned a BA in Literature and an MA in Art History. Judy also produced radio programs for Pacifica Radio's WBAI, 99.5 FM, taught English in Chinatown, assisted in oral surgery, did construction work, community organizing and worked at the Guggenheim Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her albums include 'Live at Folk City', 'Analog Girl In A Digital World', 'The Rising of Us All', 'If Dreams Were Thunder', and 'Right Behind You in The Left-Hand Lane’.

Judy and Chris Oledude were introduced to each other by Pete Seeger at the 1984 Winter Gathering of the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle. They have been close friends and musical collaborators ever since.

Pam Hamilton has been a teacher and performing artist in New York City for 37 years. As a music educator, she has been a teaching artist for the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance (BELONGÓ), Promise Academy, and JALC Middle School Academy.

Pamela has performed and recorded with several noted jazz, gospel, classical, inspirational, and R&B groups over her over 50 years as a vocalist, violist, and violinist. She also performs with her own jazz ensemble, “The Pamela Hamilton Group”.

Pam met Chris in 2022 when performed on viola with Chris at the Chris Oledude 2022 Birthday Bash.  “Mostly, however, I make music just for the heaven of it!”

11. The Choice

© 2024 Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP) [Music: Traditional]

As mentioned with regard to FREEDOM PRAYER, the folk tradition is one that encourages lyric creativity with known melodies. In this case, Chris Oledude took a Christmas Carol that he loves — “O Come! O Come! Emmanuel” — and wrote new lyrics while also adding a new musical section as well. Voila! THE CHOICE!

This piece was first performed at the 2024 Martin Luther King Holiday concert held at the Peoples’ Voice Cafe in Manhattan.

—————

Sung to the tune of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

stanza 1:

Come close, my loves, hear tales I wish to tell

of desert valleys and of ocean swells…

the trials and triumphs of our history…

the moments when truth frees both you and me.

The choice!  Our choice!  To heaven or through hell.

Open your heart, choose wisely and choose well!

STANZA 2:

Behold two people who will share a life,

with ev’ry joy now seasoned with some strife.

They work to build a future that is strong

enough to lend their voices to this song!

The choice!  Our choice!  Let love repel the knife!

Open your heart and choose the sweeter life.

STANZA 3:

Behold the tribes who populate this earth!

Embrace God’s blessings or taste Satan’s worst …

Can we shed ancient ideologies?

Can we survive the inequalities?

The choice!  Our choice!  Be better or be cursed.

And ask yourself what peace is really worth.

The choice!  Our choice!  To heaven or through hell.

Open your heart, choose wisely and choose well!

The choice!

BREAK:

I love you, oh!  I hate you so! 

No, I love you! No, I hate you!

I want your land!  Let’s share this land! 

I’ll take your land!  Share all the lands!

Yahweh!  Yahweh!  Yahweh!  Yahweh! 

Can we live in peace?

STANZA 4: 

Behold our Mother Earth in so much pain!

Her breath is shallow, hair and veins aflame.

We crawl across and through her parched skin

and wonder how and what’s amiss within.

The choice!  Our choice!  Fight for our future’s days!

Protect this earth, don’t let her burn away! 

(Find out for yourself!)

The choice!  Our choice!  To heaven or through hell.

Open your heart, choose wisely and choose well!

The choice!

CLOSING:

The choice! The choice!

Make the right choice! Our choice!

You have a choice! Make the right choice!

Acknowledgements

Special shout outs go to Mark Dann, whose patience, experience and genius were indispensable; to my constant inspiration and muse, Judy Gorman; to Richard Bashner and Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney as constant “substantive” cheerleaders; to Clyde Spillenger, whose 50 years of friendship resulted in us reuniting for a reprise of “If A Woman Had Made The World”; and to Maya Bashner, who repeatedly and graciously allowed me to borrow her car for trips to Mark’s Woodstock studio.

Dedication

Preacher Man – Vol. I is dedicated to my late father, Hon. Major R. Owens, my late mother and first piano teacher, Ethel Werfel Owens, my late wife, Sandra E. Dixon, to my cherished sons, Elijah and Sampson, and to my wonderful partner, Bessie, who tolerates my obsession with music and the accompanying craziness, amongst other things.