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Make Good Trouble

by Gary Nicholson

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Nashville, TN] - Acclaimed Grammy®-winning artist Gary Nicholson has once again captured the hearts and minds of audiences with his moving song "Make Good Trouble," released on Qualified Records. The song's powerful message and the accompanying You Tube video, inspired by the indomitable spirit of civil rights icons like John Lewis, has earned it a spot on the prestigious 2024 Grammy Ballot for a Nomination in the newly- created category of "Best Song for Social Change."
"Make Good Trouble" is more than just a song; it is a heartfelt tribute to those fearless individuals who stood up for justice, equality, and social change throughout history. Nicholson's poignant lyrics pay homage to visionaries whose actions were early examples of making "good trouble" to challenge the status quo. The song also acknowledges the transformative influence of Gandhi's non-violent leadership on the legendary Martin Luther King Jr., whose unwavering commitment to justice altered the course of history.
In his own words, Gary Nicholson shared the inspiration behind the song: "I began writing 'Make Good Trouble' as a tribute to John Lewis, who made those words a rallying cry for the Civil Rights movement of the sixties. I included Jesus and Moses as early examples making good trouble. I'm sure there will always be circumstances that call on us to Make Good Trouble. We also released this in support of the "Tennessee Three" - state Reps. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville and Justin Jones of Nashville and Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis, TN. The three were disciplined for violating their Statehouse decorum rules when they took part in a protest seeking tighter gun laws. Our goal was to bring attention to this vital peaceful protest to bring effective change to Tennessee.”
The soul-stirring melody and Nicholson's evocative vocals resonate deeply with listeners, reminding them of the power of collective action in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. "Make Good Trouble" serves as a poignant reminder that progress often stems from daring to challenge the norms and standing up for what is right.
Gary Nicholson's nomination in the "Best Song for Social Change" category further cements his status as a thought-provoking songwriter and artist who leverages his craft to inspire and effect positive change. The Grammys, known for recognizing and celebrating musical excellence, have acknowledged the profound impact of "Make Good Trouble" and its potential to ignite social consciousness.
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony, music enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the final nominees and winners. Gary Nicholson's "Make Good Trouble" stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift, unite, and drive social progress.

lyrics

MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
Gary Nicholson

WHEN SOMETHINGS WRONG AND YOU CAN’T DENY IT
YOU GOT TO RESIST AND DEFY IT
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
WHEN YOU SEE INJUSTICE TOO MUCH
YOU KNOW YOU GOTTA TO RISE ON UP
AND MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
THERE’S NO POWER MORE STRONG
THAN DOING RIGHT WHEN YOU’VE BEEN DONE WRONG
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE

HE SAW THE MONEYCHANGERS IN THE LORD’S HOUSE
HE TURNED THE TABLES AND HE THREW ‘EM ALL OUT
MAKING GOOD TROUBLE HE HAD TO MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
LIKE MOSES TOLD THE OLD PHAROH
YOU GOT TO LET MY PEOPLE GO
MAKING GOOD TROUBLE HE HAD TO MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
THERE’S NO POWER MORE STRONG
THAN DOING RIGHT WHEN YOU’VE BEEN DONE WRONG
AND YOU MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE

GOTTA BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE
GOTTA BE READY TO FACE THE FIGHT
AND MAKE GOOD TROUBLE, MAKE GOOD TROUBLE

WHEN THE WAY IT WAS COULD NO LONGER BE
GANDHI LED HIS MARCH DOWN TO THE SEA
TO MAKE GOOD TROUBLE HE HAD TO MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
WHEN THEY LOCKED DR KING BEHIND BARS
HE SAID WE’RE GONNA SHOW THEM WHO WE ARE
AND MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
HE SAID BE STRONG WHEN THEY ATTACK
YOU HIT ‘EM HARDER WHEN YOU DON’T HIT BACK
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
THERE’S NO POWER MORE STRONG
THAN DOING RIGHT WHEN YOU’VE BEEN DONE WRONG
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE

WHEN SOMETHINGS WRONG AND YOU CAN’T DENY IT
YOU GOT TO RESIST AND DEFY IT
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE
MAKE GOOD TROUBLE MAKE GOOD TROUBLE

credits

released February 18, 2024
Written by Gary Nicholson, Produced by Kevin McKendree

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Gary Nicholson Nashville, Tennessee

Gary Nicholson is an inductee to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2022) & the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame (2011), a two-time Grammy™ winning producer and performing artist. Catalog contains over 700 recordings in varied genres recorded by the most revered artists of our time, from Willie Nelson and Chris Stapleton to Bonnie Raitt, BB King, and Ringo Starr and numerous others. ... more

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