| Using controversial found audio on a recording
My band is in the studio putting together an EP and an album that will contain 12 songs, including 3 or 4 from the EP with additional instrumentation added and possibly redone vocal parts.
One of the songs that will be used on both is titled "Socrates" and speaks of the dangers of letting others desing your fate. We're considering using public domain recordings from the Jonestown tapes on the album version of this track to draw attention to said dangers, but we in no way mean to cheapen the events at Jonestown.
Some of the band members have reservations about using this audio because it does chronicle the last moments of many people's lives, while others feel that the reinforcement of the song's message is worth the potential controversy.
I'm trying to get outside opinions so I've posted a poll to see what the consensus is. I've also included the lyrics to the song in question to help if you care to take the time to read.
"Socrates"
buffalo buffalo buffalo
There's a scared little girl in the mirror.
She says "Why are you looking at me?
You've become everything you said you wouldn't,
I'm part of who you used to be.
You stand on the shoulders of giants and claim to be tall.
You were build with the wisdom of ages yet still you claim you know nothing at all.
The truth of it is you're so very small.
The sad truth of it is your back's against a wall."
(She said)
"Please don't be Socrates. This hemlock is not for you.
This cup full of poison is all that they'll offer you.
They'll take you away and strip you of your dignity.
If not for yourself, then for who you used to be.
I'm not your savior, please don't be my follower.
They fed you their lies and naively you swallowed them.
It's no surprise you've become just like all of them.
Still, Don't fade away.
Don't drink their poison.
Don't drink their poison.
You'll never make it out alive.
You'll never make it out alive."
There's an angry young man in the mirror.
He says "This is who you used to be.
You'd add fuel to their flames,
with a caustic refrain of "Stand up for what you believe!"
I saw you with blood on your hands.
I saw you with fire in your eyes.
I saw you reduced to a shell of a man
But still, you wouldn't concede to their lies.
I saw you with hope on your face.
I saw you with stars in your eyes.
You swore one day, you'd get away from this place
But you're stuck here and I can't say I'm surprised.
Please don't be Socrates, this hemlock is not for you.
This cup full of poison is all I can offer you.
They'll take you away and strip you of your dignity.
If not for yourself then for who you were meant to be.
It goes on like a sad parade.
Your hopes and your dreams reduced to charade.
Was it worth it, the price that you paid?
Still don't fade away.
Don't drink their poison.
Don't drink their poison.
You'll never make it out alive.
You'll never make it out alive."
There's a scared little boy in the mirror.
He asks "Why are you looking at me?
You've become everything you said you wouldn't,
I'm part of who you used to be.
You stand on the shoulders of giants and claim to be tall.
You were build with the wisdom of ages yet still you claim you know nothing at all.
The truth of it is you're so ****ing small.
The sad truth of it is your back's against a wall."
(He begged)
"Please don't be Socrates. This hemlock is not for you.
This cup full of poison is all that they'll offer you.
They'll take you away and strip you of your dignity.
If not for yourself, then for who you used to be.
Don't drink their poison.
Don't drink their poison.
You'll never make it out alive.
You'll never make it out alive.
Don't drink their poison.
Don't drink their poison.
You'll never make it out alive.
You'll never make it out alive."
__________________
Pittsburgh Club member #3; Carvin Club member #27;
SX Bass Club member in good standing
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