Initially keeping this record for an upcoming project, the Texas-born recording artist decided to release “Sweeter” today. The song contains lyrics written from the perspective of a black man who has just been killed, speaking his last words and wishing things had ended differently.

“Growing up in Texas I have personally experienced racism, my friends have experienced racism. From adolescence we’re taught how to conduct ourselves when we encounter police to avoid the consequences of being racially profiled. I have been numb for too long, calloused when it came to the issues of police brutality. The death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camels back for me,” said Leon Bridges.

“It was the first time I wept for a man I never met,” he added. “I am George Floyd, my brothers are George Floyd, and my sisters are George Floyd. I cannot and will not be silent any longer. Just as Abel’s blood was crying out to God, George Floyd is crying out to me. So, I present to you Sweeter.”

Quotable Lyrics:

Hoping for a life more sweeter
Instead I’m just a story repeating
Why do I fear with skin dark as night?
Can’t feel peace with those judging eyes
I thought we moved on from the darker days
Did the words of the King disappear in the air
Like a butterfly?
Somebody should hand you a felony
Because you stole from me
My chance to be