Bruce Springsteen has released a new song dedicated to Minneapolis, written in response to what he described as 'the state terror being visited on the city' and the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents.
In a social media message, Springsteen said he wrote the song on Saturday, recorded it the following day and released it promptly, dedicating it to 'the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbours and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good'.
The lyrics depict unrest in the city, with references to 'a city aflame fought fire and ice 'neath an occupier's boots' and a force Springsteen calls 'King Trump's private army from the DHS'. A somber verse honours the victims: 'There were bloody footprints / Where mercy should have stood / And two dead left to die on snow-filled streets / Alex Pretti and Renee Good.'
The musician has long been a vocal critic of the Trump administration. Earlier this month, he condemned what he termed 'Gestapo tactics' relating to increased immigration enforcement at a concert in New Jersey, where he also dedicated his song The Promised Land to Renee Good.
President Donald Trump has previously responded to Springsteen's criticism by calling him 'highly overrated', 'not a talented guy' and a 'pushy, obnoxious jerk'.
