New Gen completed a songwriting project in summer 23 that was sprung off a conversation we had with PC Bevan. We shared these songs in our last session of term on July 12th with him plus friends and family.
When the young people originally met with PC Bevan they asked a range of eloquent, politically charged and thoughtful questions, as well as sharing some of their own experiences. This all prompted honest discussion around some difficult subjects such as the perception of the police among marginalised communities and young people, and challenging the lack of youth voice within government and authority.
"This is a really unique group, I’ve never seen anything like this in Ipswich before. I wish I'd come along years ago." -PC Bevan
This has been an important project for New Gen.
It's important for police and young people to get on and have community cohesion and understanding because it nurtures trust, reduces tensions, and promotes safety. Positive interactions build bridges, encouraging collaboration in addressing issues, and creating a sense of belonging and respect within the community.
When young people perceive the police as approachable and supportive, they are more likely to seek help, report crimes, and actively engage in building a safer and more cohesive society. Additionally, police officers gain valuable insights into the needs and concerns of young people, allowing them to tailor their approach and strategies for effective community policing. Ultimately, promoting positive relationships between the police and young people strengthens the fabric of society, leading to safer neighbourhoods and a stronger sense of community. We wanted to share some of their powerful lyrics.
Lungs
By Pat, Amber, Luke, Isaiah, Blake, Sonny
Bio:
When we wrote 'Lungs', our ideas gathered around a seemingly inherent trait of the police in today's society: misuse of power. The song stemmed from a broad consideration of power dynamics, from the perspective of someone at the bottom of the ladder, looking fearfully upwards, and the restrained, emotive motifs reflect this message. How can we expect the police to care for and protect us when they appear to encourage such fear and sorrow?
Lyrics:
fill my lungs
feel me fall
look on your face
tells me it all
oxygenate
to correlate
your temper, the time
your feelings, not mine
(repeat ad infinitum)
Peace and Prosperity Freestyle
By Pranav, Asher-Levi
Lyrics:
Yo hopped out of the Uber then I switched up to a Polo
Skrrt skrrt through the block but I be driving solo
Popeye's chicken with the guys and you know that is banging
When you see me on the road authority always ranting
Run an opp down on the streets I said don't be silly
Jordan 4s or Jordan 1s but I rock 3s so it's no biggie
Everyday I'm in the town and always hustling
Pulled up to the shopping centre for the prime energy and it's bubbling
The way that the feds are chasing us
All these social issues like racism it needs to stop
I told my bro where's the hope for this town
He phoned me up for a ride and I told him that I was down
Trespassing through the block wearing a dressing gown
Stepped in with the homies
And when you hear that sound
Woop Woop the way that fear just hit the eyes of my boys now
Can't believe that this physical
Losing Game
By Evie, Zamani, Bronwyn, Joe, John
Bio:
'Losing Game' is about the mistrust that people have in law enforcement and how we, as young people, need them to change to minimise the negative feelings they cause us.
Lyrics:
i can't trust you the way you want me to
playing a losing game always ends the same way
try your hardest to fight your battles but
you’ll never win the war
can't change things from the inside out
you're rotten to the core
feed us propaganda
brainwashing has never felt this way
no communication between us
can't say what i need to say
knock it down
and build it up
corruption flowing from your cup
your system never worked for me
your system never worked for
knock it down
and build it up
will it ever be enough
your system never worked for us
your system never worked
Luck of the Draw
By Nathan, Eva, Harry, Sam, Yazz
Bio:
This song is about hierarchy and how we think it’s wrong. It is also about destiny and how “before it even begins” (referring to our lives) our future has already been chosen because of our race, gender, sexuality etc. We believe that no matter if you're black, white, gay, straight we should all be equal but unfortunately this isn’t the case.
Lyrics:
Luck of one draw
System built on flaws
Levers they rise
Brings us to our demise
flip of a coin
which institution to join.
Win or you lose
There’s no privilege to choose .
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins(the house always wins)
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins(the house always wins)
masking our eyes
uniform’s a disguise
Stealing our names
manipulating the blame
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins(the house always wins)
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins(the house always wins)
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins(the house always wins)
Life is a gamble
Before you even begin
no matter the hand
The house always wins
Riddim To The Police
By Woody, Tako
Bio:
Our songs is about the injustices that people may face rom the police, how the government reacts and how we feel as people