No Peace without Justice (a.k.a "Justice Jam")
Great sentiment. So true. There's some live versions on my YouTube channel.
peace
jam
justice
Story behind the song
In September 2010, as part of my educational leave while serving a church in Baldwin, NY, I attended a conference on Songwriting for Peace and Justice being held at Stony Point Center in NY state. The slate of presenters was awesome including David LaMotte, David Gambrell, Deanna Witkowski, Warren Cooper, Carol Wynfrey Gillette and Bill Carter.
I was impressed not only by their musicianship and ability but also their commitment to creating music that sought to create awareness of social issues from a biblical perspective. Having dabbled in that area in my songwriting it was an inspiring week for myself.
When I returned from the retreat, I wanted to create a song that was not only quickly accessible, singable and conveyed a straightforward message, but which also could give contemporary musicians a chance to jam along.
I used the chord sequence for the song many times in the past as a warmup jam with bands I had played in over the years. Adding a verse and middle 8 rhythmic chorus, seemed to lead nicely into an opportunity for improvisation at the close. Ive since used it in several settings, and when there have been musicians present who like to contribute, the song has fulfilled its purpose.
Lyrics
There is no peace without justice
Adrian J Pratt
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace
Every step that we take away from hate
Is one more step in the direction of peace
Every step that we take away from hate
Is one more step towards being free
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace
Every step that we take away from hate
Is one more step in the direction of peace
Every step that we take away from hate
Is one more step towards being free
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace
There is no peace without justice
There is no justice without peace