Instructors around the world have been doing tributes for the victims of the Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub last weekend. Some created a playlist with songs about love and joy, to counter the wave of bad news in society. Others played songs by openly gay artists in solidarity with the victims. Many simply decided to play just one song for their tribute. Some have even posted on Facebook that they’ve had riders moved to tears following the class.
I heard this moving song on Facebook today and wanted to share it with you. It would be an incredible closing song whether you did a full tribute, or just wanted to select one song to mark this tragic event. It’s called “Pulse” and was written and sung by Eli Lieb and Brandon Skeie. They are offering it as a free download on SoundCloud. On that page, as well as on the YouTube page, they provide links for those wishing to donate to the Orlando victims fund.
Please share with us in the comments if you decided to do a tribute ride. I understand that it’s not something every instructor feels comfortable doing; some posted on Facebook that their riders don’t come to class to be reminded of the news. But for some who have built a strong community with their riders, it’s a way to mourn together. There is no right or wrong.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy and every other mass shooting around the world. #WeAreOrlando
Here are the lyrics:
So you say this is human
Your heartbeat versus mine
I’m in chains cause I’m choosing
showing love or living life
I shouldn’t have to leave where I stand
I shouldn’t have to change who I am
To count as a human
Feel my pulse
With your hand on my heart
You know it beats just as hard as yours
Feel my pulse
Feel my pulse
Can’t you see that I’m scarred
I’m just the same as you are so just
Feel my pulse
I wish I could reach them
And strip away what separates
It’s the same air we’re breathing
The same tears run down our face
So I don’t have to leave where I stand
And I don’t have to change who I am
To count as a human
Feel my pulse
With your hand on my heart
You know it beats just as hard as yours
Feel my pulse
Feel my pulse
Can’t you see that I’m scarred
I’m just the same as you are so just
Feel my pulse
Tears…emotional…validating, honoring and affirming. Jennifer, thank you for sharing this tribute.
I also did an Orlando tribute. In it, I used some music from Christina Grimme. Christina was a 22-year old singer who was killed in Orlando the night prior to the mass killing in a separate gun related incident.
In tears, beautiful voices, beautiful message. It will definitely be the closer to my Rainbow Ride tomorrow! Thank you for sharing!! #loveislove
just beautiful!!!!!
chills
isn’t it? I’ve listened to it a dozen times and I tear up every single time!