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What Do We Do?

by Michael Silverstone

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about

There was a brilliant young computer science program designer and visionary who invented Reddit and RSS feeds who was as committed to the betterment of everyone as he was brilliant.

He tried to open MIT's access to scientific papers to anyone with computer connection, but got prosecuted for this. He was made an example of--not for the benefit of the greater public, but for the owners of intellectual property rights. His name was Aaron Swartz. Thought I'd write this song so if you run across it, you'd know about him and how inspiring his vision was and continues to be.

lyrics

What Do We Do?
Words and Music by Michael Alan Silverstone
12/29/14
©2014 Mr. Silverstone Music/ASCAP

First they took him by the hand
but in the end he led them underground
like a renegade
like a thief

'Cause it was written in his code
the best belongs to everyone
to grow where it flows free

What do we do?
What do we do now?
What do we do?
What do we do now?

Not much older than a kid
though everyone looked up to him
He said,
"I'm not so exceptional."
He said,
"One person does nothing alone."

But the curious and kind
don't always beat the wicked ones
that's not the way it has to be

Now what do we do?
What do we do now?
What do we do?
What do we do now?

What we fight against never will relent
and has its force we can't oppose
when we win it's in the small things
if at all
but our losses to the stronger
make us strong
make us strong

What can we do?
What can we do now?
What can we do?
What can we do now?

All the knowledge in the world
will belong one day to everyone
That's his victory
Defeat came because he could never just
fight for himself
In the far off fields
gloom gathers too harsh to bear
unless you're standing with a friend

So what do we do?
What do we do now?
What do we do?
What do we do now?
What do we do?
What do we do now?
What can we do?

credits

released December 29, 2014
Engineered and Recorded by Jim Matus
Schoolhouse Studio S. Hadley, MA

Michael Silverstone, guitar, keyboards, vocals, bass

license

all rights reserved

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about

Michael Silverstone Northampton, Massachusetts

Born, in Ohio in the 20th Century. Live in Massachusetts in the 21st. I am a myth made of charged points of energy mostly in empty space, but I do love to write, sing, and record songs.

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