Mid-Metro Academy students display their talents here!

Don’t Shut Me Down

(A Protest Song for 2024)

By Max Yantes

(with Seth Jahnke, Jane O’Brien, and Peace Kuznia)

(Performed by Max Yantes)

Don’t shut me down, I have something to say:

Are all my rights things you can just take away?

I could be all wrong; then again, so could you.

Is it right for one person to dictate what’s true?

Why can you hurt me, but I can’t challenge you?

If we could switch places, then what would you do?

Don’t shut me down, I have something to say:

Should I just conceal my thoughts every day?

We’re always at odds; we can’t see eye to eye.

If you had the chance, then would you even try?

It can’t be that long before things go awry.

Nothing I say needs to cause an outcry.

Is censoring misinformation

Worth hindering our liberation? (2x)

Don’t shut me down, I have something to say:

It was black and white; now it’s all turning gray.

This God-given right that was given to all

Could end up applying to no one at all.

If no one agrees then who’s making the call?

This closing of mouths could become our downfall.

Is censoring misinformation

Worth hindering our liberation? (2x)

Don’t shut me down, I have something to say:

Are all my rights things you can just take away?