Leon Bridges Returns to His Roots In New Video For “Sweeter”
Like many Black Americans, Grammy award winning R&B artist Leon Bridges has experienced prejudice and racism his entire life. Following the death of George Floyd, and with the ongoing civil unjust in North America, Bridges was compelled to share his new single “Sweeter” featuring soul artist Terrace Martin. Written from the perspective of a Black man taking his final breath, it is, as Martin puts it, “meditation music; it is not music for the ears but rather music for the heart”.
About the song and video, Leon shares:
“Growing up in Texas I have personally experienced racism, my friends have experienced racism. From adolescence we are taught how to conduct ourselves when we encounter police to avoid the consequences of being racially profiled. I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. It was the first time I wept for a man I never met. I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me”.
Bridges’ familiar croon sings over a soulful, minimalistic R&B beat, returning to a poignant chorus of “Hoping for a life more sweeter / Instead I’m just a story repeating. / Why do I fear with skin dark as night? / Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes.”
The accompanying music video features Bridges family and friends from his childhood neighbourhood of Forth Worth, Texas. The sun-filled video shines some light by celebrating his life and community, providing a powerful backdrop for the otherwise heavy song.
