Russian punk band Pussy Riot have brought their activism to the United States, today unveiling their first song sung in English, “I Can’t Breathe.” The track is about police brutality and takes its title from the last words of Eric Garner, who died after being choked by a New York Police officer last year.
In the track, Garner’s final words are spoken by Richard Hell. Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs plays bass. Watch the video below, read the lyrics and Garner’s words down at the bottom, and watch a second video from Masha Alekhina and Nadya Tolokonnikova about the police protests in New York City.
“Pussy Riot’s first song in English is dedicated to Eric Garner and the words he repeated eleven times before his death,” reads the video’s description. “This song is for Eric and for all those from Russia to America and around the globe who suffer from state terror – killed, choked, perished because of war and state sponsored violence of all kinds – for political prisoners and those on the streets fighting for change. We stand in solidarity.”
It goes on: “Pussy Riot’s Masha and Nadya are being buried alive in the Russian riot police uniforms that are worn during the violent clashes of police and the protesters fighting for change in Russia. A pack of ‘Russian Spring’ brand cigarettes is on the ground at the beginning. ‘Russian Spring’ is a term used by those who are in love with Russia’s aggressive militant actions in Ukraine, and the cigarettes are a real thing.”
“I Can’t Breathe” was recorded during the protests against police brutality in December 2014.
Pussy Riot “I Can’t Breathe” lyrics:
He’s become his death The spark of the riots
That’s the way he’s blessed
To stay alive.
It never leads to an end
It’s never getting quiet
If it’s unfair, my friend,
Make up your mind
It’s getting dark in New York city
It’s getting dark in New York city
It’s getting tight in New York city
I need to catch my breath
You know this world of hate
You know this stubborn light
They’re in the prayers you pray
Late at night
We’re only half way down
Who dares to take a breath?
Some fairness might be found
From ashes of his death.
Eric Garner’s last words (read by Richard Hell):
Get away [garbled] for what? Every time you see me, you want to mess with me. I’m tired of it. It stops today. Why would you…? Everyone standing here will tell you I didn’t do nothing. I did not sell nothing. Because everytime you see me, you want to harass me. You want to stop me [garbled] Selling cigarettes. I’m minding my business, officer, I’m minding my business. Please just leave me alone. I told you the last time, please just leave me alone. please please, don’t touch me. Do not touch me. [garbled] I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe