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Band Investigated by Secret Service for Singing Bob Dylan Song
November 17, 2004
PEN USA is deeply concerned that the United States Secret Service would investigate a high school band in a talent show, because of a song written in 1963.
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PEN USA is deeply concerned that the United States Secret Service would investigate a high school band in a talent show, because of a song written in 1963.
Colorado:
The students in the band, called Coalition of the Willing, said they are performing Bob Dylan’s song “Masters of War” during the Boulder High School Talent Exposé because they are fans for the musician/song writer.
People who heard the band rehearse on a local radio show felt the song threatened President Bush, and called in the Secret Service. The band was just singing the lyrics to the existing song, meaning to express themselves, not to incite anyone to do anything against the President. Outraged parents and students say they are offended by the band name and the song that the band chose to sing.
The lyrics in question to the song, written by Bob Dylan in 1963, are: “You might say that I’m young. You might say I’m unlearned, but there’s one thing I know, though I’m younger than you, even Jesus would never forgive what you do… And I hope you die and your death’ll come soon. I would follow your casket in the pale afternoon. And I’ll watch while you’re lowered down to your deathbed. And I’ll stand o’er your grave ‘till I’m sure that you’re dead.”
PEN USA supports the band and is alarmed that the Secret Service would feel it was necessary to “investigate.” Instead, the band’s name and choice of songs merely expresses a certain view, and it is their right to do so.
“It is unfortunate,” said David L. Ulin, co-chair of PEN USA’s domestic Freedom to Write Committee, and a writer and teacher of writing at the university and graduate level, “that, in a school of all places, the free expression of students would not only be challenged but subject to intimidation by the secret service. It is essential that the administration of Boulder High School stand up for the fundamental American values of tolerance and free expression and allow the band Coalition of the Willing to perform.”
Recommended Action:
Write the Principal of Boulder High School, expressing support for Coalition of the Willing. Stress that it is imperative the band be allowed to play in the talent show, and that the school support freedom of expression and their students’ right to exercise it.
Principal Ron Cabrera
Boulder High School
1604 Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: (303) 442-2430
Contact the Secret Service, and question the validity of the claim they investigated.
U.S. Secret Service
Office of Government Liaison & Public Affairs
245 Murray Drive,
Building 410,
Washington, DC 20223
Phone: 202.406.5708