Description
Physical copy of the sheet music mailed to you.
About the Work: Long Beach Opera commissioned me to write a new song with the task of
reflecting on 2020 in some way. This has been a particularly hard year for so
many people. After participating in protests following the deaths of George
Floyd and Breonna Taylor, I initially imagined a short tragic piece. But,
having recently written “My Idols Are Dead” (for string orchestra) and “I
Tried So Hard for You” (for violin and piano), both reflecting on
generational trauma cycles in the Black American community, I decided that
it wouldn’t be good for my mental health right now to keep living in the
trauma with my art. Especially while going through such a tough time.
Instead, Block Party takes a light–hearted view at social values through
the lens of a young woman’s dating life. The story unfolds in a way that I
think is unique to our time. As always, I tried to make it as unapologetically
authentic as possible.
Lyrics:
You’ve always been so fine.
Since we were tenth grade, you’ve been a ten, baby.
We always met at the wrong place and time,
Today I got the time for you.
When I was with him,
Ya still crossed my mind.
Though we were in love,
I was curious.
Then you were hers when I left his side.
But now the stars aligned.
I hope ya don’t take it wrong,
But don’t make me wait too long.
I hope it’s not insensitive.
Ya posted that you’re single,
Oh Shit!
Breakups really can break ya down,
But I’m stuck on trynna take you down.
Scrolling through ya pics, it all builds up to this.
Finna hit yo line, say what’s on my mind.
Hold up, time out, wait…
What’s that caption say?
“Make America.. Great?”
I’m finna have to…. Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo ol’ goof–ass, boy.
Too fast, boy.
I thought we would last.
And it makes me mad, but it be like that.
Verse 2
Let no one tell you I’m scared to try.
Maybe it’s madness,
I may be a masochist.
My home girl told me meet one online.
Either way I’m finished after this.
You sent a message.
I was surprised, pleasantly, we got chemistry.
Now you on my line all through the night.
When we get to meet, keep that energy.
I hope ya don’t take it wrong.
But don’t make me wait too long.
I hope it’s not insensitive.
Men are out here on some bull shit.
Dating really can break ya down.
Play it right and I’m gon’ take you down.
Pull up to the date,
I’m twenty minutes late.
Who all came to eat?
Twenty people deep.
“Welcome to the team.”
Is this…. a pyramid scheme?
*sigh*
Chorus
I’m finna have to… Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo dumb ass.
Block yo ol’ goof–ass, boy.
Too fast, boy.
I thought we would last.
And it makes me mad, but it be like that.
