On Monday, Billy Strings debuted video of his performance of “Watch It Fall” recorded for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
Founded in 2011, the FRRC is committed to the restoration of basic civil rights for millions of returning citizens (formerly convicted persons) in Florida. Through advocacy and lobbying work, this non-profit won a major victory in 2018 with the passage of Amendment 4 which allowed convicted felons to regain their voting rights upon completion of their sentence including parole and probation.
Related: Billy Strings Performs Powerful “Taking Water” At Democracy Comes Alive [Watch]
The performance finds a long-haired Strings alongside his bass player Royal Masat. Judging by the length of Strings’ hair, which he lopped off back in August the video was recorded some time ago. With the 2020 general elections just one day away, however, this performance of the Home track—recorded for a vital civil rights organization—is all the more relevant. It’s easy to see why Strings would feel so strongly about the rights of returning citizens, as his grandfather was incarcerated for a brief period, during which he hand-built the recognizable 33 guitar Billy occasionally uses onstage.
With his contemplation on the trajectory of modern society, Strings highlights his insightful lyricism rather than his guitar-picking prowess with this performance. The effect is just as stirring than any of his instrumental offerings, as the lean, 3:43 minute rendition makes its point and doesn’t linger. As the rights of millions of returning citizens around the country remain ignored by politicians and voters alike, Strings ponders “how long until there’s nothing left at all?”
Watch Billy Strings and Royal Masat perform “Watch It Fall” for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. To learn more about the FRRC click here. To watch the official music video for “Watch It Fall”, head here.
Billy Strings – “Watch It Fall”
[Video: Billy Strings]