PJ Harvey - Shaker Aamer video free download


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Duration: 02:49
Uploaded: 2013/08/04

PJ Harvey has released a song to highlight the ongoing detention of the last British resident held inside the US prison at Guantánamo Bay.

The track, called Shaker Aamer was recorded by the Mercury prizewinning songwriter to help maintain pressure to have the 46-year-old, whose family live in south London, released back to Britain.

Aamer has been detained in Guantánamo for more than 11 years, despite being cleared for release in 2007, and remains imprisoned without charge or trial. He has a British wife and his four children -- the youngest of whom he has never met -- were all born in Britain. They live in Tooting, south London.

The British government has stated repeatedly that it wants him back in the UK and last week, under escalating international pressure, the US announced it is to restart transfers from the prison. Concerns remain, however, that Aamer might be forcibly sent to Saudi Arabia and imprisoned there instead of being reunited with his family in the UK.

Shaker Aamer

No water for three days.

I cannot sleep, or stay awake.

Four months hunger strike.

Am I dead, or am I alive?

With metal tubes we are force fed.

I honestly wish I was dead.

Strapped in the restraining chair.

Shaker Aamer, your friend.

In camp 5, eleven years.

Never Charged. Six years cleared.

They took awat my one note pad,

and the refused to give it back.

I can't think straight, I write, then stop.

Your friend, Shaker Aamer. Lost.

The guards just do what they're told,

the doctors just do what they're told.

Like an old car I'm rusting away.

Your friend, Shaker, Guantanamo Bay.

Don't forget.

© 2013 Hothead Music Ltd.

Comments

9 years ago

David Datura

I love her music but why get political? This seems to be a trend with British left-wing musicians, I can respect their views but keep to the music and stop taking sides. It just causes antagonism...none the less I've now looked up Shaker Aamer on Wikipedia and his is a disgraceful situation. I don't see why the US government insists on keeping the man imprisoned without any apparent case against him. All the others have been released.

9 years ago

Saul vargas

Angel voice

10 years ago

joe strummer

this is awsome... but i wish she'd come tour america and play punk music again though

10 years ago

Simmo Nippos

She really likes using minor chords lately wonder why?

10 years ago

Tinabolesful

I bet he's over the moon

10 years ago

borjon23

Source of the picture please?

10 years ago

Mickey Flipper

The disappointment is stemming from yourself being unable to recognize the various forms of intensity this song (and Harvey's newfound form of song writing). displays. PJ Harvey hasn't changed. Point in fact, her song writing has evolved. Someone said PJ Harvey is like an actress. In that she personifies and imbibes the emotions of her characters. You're trying too hard to get into it. Don't try. Just listen.

10 years ago

kezzasays

I love how PJ writes songs from so many different personal perspectives from that of soldiers (The Words That Maketh Murder and Colour of the Earth), to a civilian in a war torn country (The Glorious Land) and now this one from the view of Shaker Aamer. The songs allow you to see from the perspective of those whose lives have been effected so terribly by political decisions. She gives a voice to those who usually don't have a voice. I look forward to PJ Harvey's next release.

10 years ago

tab denver

He's not my president and it's odd how he 'loses' his power when it comes to doing things that are perceived as negative, as its others fault they are not changeable.

10 years ago

Google made me do it

lol you still believe your president has all the power? He's just a puppet, you should fight your system and government not one man!

10 years ago

Steve W

Truth my ass.

10 years ago

OctaviusKhan

PJ is amazing. She has so much substance to her; she's always refreshing.

10 years ago

abstractholiday

Thank you PJ for the song and education.

10 years ago

Stuie Malan

Now she just needs to perform this on SNL.

10 years ago

Joey Nickles

hauntingly beautiful song that exposes the cruel and inhuman U.S. ruling class. nice to see there are still some popular artists speaking truth to power.

10 years ago

Bracknell Ridges

Excellent

10 years ago

silvoslaf

It's horrible! I mean — the music itself is dauntingly beautiful, but I feel so ashamed on how we allow ourselves to be treated with. And she leaves me feel like a refugee in this song.

10 years ago

Stephania Amaral

My one and only PJ <3!

10 years ago

FreddysNightmare78

So awesome. I'm such a huge fan. Love PJ :-)

10 years ago

Paul Lamens

PJ Harvey has released a song to highlight the ongoing detention of the last British resident held inside the US prison at Guantánamo Bay.

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