Pedie Perez

from Bearing Witness by David Rovics

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An innocent young man, killed by police in Richmond, California in 2014.

lyrics

Pedie Perez was born in Berkeley in 1989
Grew up past El Cerrito and the Contra Costa line
His parents run a work yard in Richmond, California
He drove a truck there on the west coast of America
Pedie Perez was a gentle soul, known to his neighbors and friends
If someone was in trouble, that's who he'd defend
As with so many more among us, he liked to have a drink
Which shouldn't be a problem, or at least that's what you might think

Pedie Perez was hanging out on Cutting Boulevard
When a cop came to visit, he had been drinking hard
But Pedie gave his address, said where he was bound
When the cop began to beat him and threw him to the ground
Pedie Perez may not have done all that he was told
As the cop attacked him and put him in a pain hold
Fists pounding on his head, he tried to get away
He wasn't lunging for the gun, all the witnesses say

Pedie Perez was turning, as the ballistics evidence shows
Trying to walk off, everybody knows
Except for the cop who pulled out his gun
Who figured death was the penalty for a guy who tried to run
Pedie Perez was unarmed, and did not pose a threat
“Please don't shoot me,” were the last words he said
But Officer Jensen fired, and he fired again and again
Three bullets to his torso, and then

Pedie Perez stumbled into the liquor store and died
The witnesses told the truth and the officer lied
The city saw this, too, and paid the family
Money in lieu of justice, as anyone can see
Pedie Perez is dead while Jensen is retired
Collecting half his salary until the day he is expired
Not in prison for murder, which is where he'd probably be
If he were not a cop in a land of police brutality

Pedie Perez was born in Berkeley in 1989

credits

from Bearing Witness, released April 19, 2024

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David Rovics Portland, Oregon

Singer/songwriter, writer, podcaster (on Spotify, Substack & Patreon), anarchist, dad, lover of life.

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