I See Hawks in L.A. pays homage to late Sen. Robert C. Byrd on current album ‘Shoulda Been Gold’
Conqueroo
Posted On June 28, 2010
LOS ANGELES — I See Hawks in L.A., whose new album Shoulda Been Gold on Collectors’ Choice Music received many national reviews, recorded a song about West Virginia Senator and mountain fiddler Robert C. Byrd, who passed away this morning, Monday, June 28, after more than 57 years in the U.S. Senate. The song, “Byrd of Vest Virginia,” is featured on the new album.
According to Robert Waller from the Los Angeles-based band: “We were very sorry to hear of Senator Byrd’s passing today. We send our condolences to his family, West Virginians, and all Americans who benefitted from his long service in Congress. The original inspiration for our song “Byrd from West Virginia” came in 2003 when Byrd was the sole voice in the Senate to stand up vigorously against the Iraq War, making the Constitutional argument we were longing to hear. After further researching his life, we learned about his darker periods: a relationship with the KKK, opposition to the Civil Rights movement, etc. We could not sweep these sins under the rug. The song recalls the tumultuous history of 20th century America: the Depression, WWII, the racial tension of the ‘60s, and the Kennedy assassination. The end of the story is one of redemption, as Byrd challenges the establishment of American hegemony and the Iraq War. Byrd’s story, like America’s, is long and complex. Farewell and good journey.”
Here’s a link to the lyrics and a download of the song:
http://www.iseehawks.com/news/sen-robert-c-byrd-nov-20-1917-june-28-2010
The band is about to tour the Pacific Northwest.
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