Wake Up, America!
A lament for Paul Robeson
This image, taken during the Peekskill Riots on September 4 1949, inspires the title of a new song composed and sung by Tayo Aluko to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Paul Robeson.
Gravestone at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, Westchester County, New York, USA
The uncanny resonances between that troubled but hidden chapter of American history and now are captured in the audio play Paul Robeson’s Love Song, written, produced and recorded during lockdown, and occasionally shared online, and in the long-running stage play, Call Mr. Robeson.
Wake Up, America! (A Lament for Paul Robeson) received its live online premiere on the 50th anniversary weekend of Robeson’s death: January 23, 2026, after a sharing of Paul Robeson’s Love Song; then on January 24 as part of the People’s Music Network Winter Gathering, and January 25 after another sharing of Paul Robeson’s Love Song.
The lyrics are inspired by many songs sung by Robeson, including Joe Hill.
I dreamed I saw the great Paul Robeson
Said his heart had been left in pain
He’d been to the White House and found
America was fascist again
America was fascist again
Like poor man Lazarus he’d risen up
From fifty years buried in his grave
Unlike many on Capitol Hill
He’d never been anybody’s slave
He’d never been anybody’s slave
Do you know that they scandalised his name?
Were you there when they crucified our Paul?
They never said a mumblin’ word
Even though he tried to save them all
Even though he tried to save them all
Now, what is America to me?
Where is the spirit of Joe Hill?
Sold down th’ Ol’ Man River, my friend
From Peekskill City to Charlottesville
From Peekskill City to Charlottesville
When th’ oppressed becomes the oppressor
We’ll still find Paul on the right side
In his rich bass voice he’d declare
I’ll be no part of your genocide
I’ll be no part of your genocide
Just like the battle of Jericho
Let us join our voices and shout
We’re strongest when we’re united
Together let’s drive those tyrants out
Together let’s drive those tyrants out
I’m justice, peace and equality
Uncle’s Sam’s dream was so vivid
Fifty years on, it’s still a nightmare
Wake up, America, Robeson did!
Wake up, America, Robeson did!
Wake up, America! Robeson did!
© Tayọ Aluko. Jan 2026
