Prince: Guitar Solo for Baltimore

Prince Is Dropping a Song, Guitar Solo for Baltimore

From Reagan and the Cold War to “Baltimore,” Prince is no stranger to releasing tribute songs in big political moments.

Prince is getting political, again. This time, he’s releasing a tribute to Baltimore, in response to the death of Freddie Gray.

The as-yet unreleased track, simply titled “Baltimore,” will address “the unrest in Baltimore and the socio/political issues around the country in the wake of a slew of killings of young black men,” according to Prince’s publicist. Here are the lyrics:

Nobody got in nobody’s way
So I guess you could say
It was a good day
At least a little better than the day in Baltimore
Does anybody hear us pray?
For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray
Peace is more than the absence of war
Absence of war

Are we gonna see another bloody day?
We’re tired of cryin’ and people dyin’
Let’s take all the guns away
Absence of war—you and me
Maybe we can finally say
Enough is enough, it’s time for love
It’s time to hear
It’s time to hear
The guitar play!

Prince has announced plans to perform at a concert in Baltimore following recent unrest in the city over the death of a man who was fatally injured in police custody.

A statement issued Tuesday says the pop icon will perform Sunday at “Rally 4 Peace,” a concert at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.

The statement says the event is meant to be “a catalyst for pause and reflection” after the recent protests and riots over Freddie Gray’s death that prompted Maryland’s governor to bring in the National Guard. Attendees of the concert are asked to wear gray.

Prince will also be joined by funk-rock group 3RDEYEGIRL. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Baltimore-based youth charities.