Duty to Resist

This song is a protest anthem against bigoted, autocratic leaders who champion ignorance, perpetuate privilege and peddle hatred.

It was written by Dusty Horwitt, Jonathan Engel and David Doobinin. It was produced with the help of Paul Friedman, Executive Director of Safer Country, an organization that works to prevent gun violence.

The song calls on concerned, patriotic citizens to resist the attacks on long-cherished democratic values and institutions, and enlist in the fight to re-establish truth, fairness and diversity as hallmarks of civil debate.

We would love musicians to perform this song at public gatherings and political events. Organizers of such events can also play this demo track, as a video with synched images.

We ask only that you post your request as a comment on this site, providing your email address. We will send you a license outlining usage rights for this copyrighted work.

DUTY TO RESIST - Lyrics

Dusty Horwitt/Jonathan Engel

When the president spreads hatred, puts our neighbors on a list
If we’re patriotic it’s our duty to resist
So gather ‘round them young and old no matter poor or rich
Protect them and defend them or our freedom won’t exist

It’s a sacred obligation based on self-determination
Hold a light for other nations, it’s our duty to resist
No one else is gonna save us, trust that courage is contagious
Stand up to the outrageous, organize, enlist, it’s our duty to resist

When the leader tries to break the rules when facts he tries to twist
Rally ‘round reporters so our free press can persist
When the chief is in a mansion and the people just subsist
We must demand equality speak up and insist.

It’s a sacred obligation based on self-determination
Hold a light for other nations, it’s our duty to resist
No one else is gonna save us, trust that courage is contagious
Stand up to the outrageous, organize, enlist, it’s our duty to resist

It’s a sacred obligation based on self-determination
Hold a light for other nations, it’s our duty to resist
No one else is gonna save us, trust that courage is contagious
Stand up to the outrageous, organize, enlist, it’s our duty to resist

It’s our duty to resist
It’s our duty to resist