Fury

The song "Fury" is from the AIDS Quilt Songbook--a musical response to the AIDS Quilt. The project was started by baritone William Parker in 1992 and is a collection of classical songs by American composers and poets that deal with AIDS.

Parker himself died of AIDS in 1993 at the age of 49.

Date: 1992Composer: Donald WheelockText: Susan Snively

Print vitals & song text

Text

Fury
by Susan Snively

I have a poisoned hand, I have a bitter voice,
I looked death in the face, I have no choice.

And when Death looks on me its hollow eye and frown
Makes light …
To stare him down.

Then I may reach and touch so many faces
All with eyes made bright with grief.

We beat the wall and grave our anger there.
The fury of many fists.
No longer secret wall cries out:
Resist, resist, resist. Resist!
Before it is too late, before the privileged men deny what we have been.
Open your minds and see.
Open your souls and know the message that our eyes can’t help but show.
These are your eyes …
These are your quickening years unransomed by your pain and bought by tears.

I have a poisoned hand, I have a bitter voice,
I looked death in the face, I have no choice.
I have no choice.

Support us and help us grow

Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.