A new proposition song!

Just (barely) in time for the upcoming election, I've come up with a new proposition song. Also a new

tune! I will be recording it with friends soon but in the meantime here are the lyrics.

Musicians and singers are welcome to join us on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Old Ironsides in downtown Sacramento at 7:30 p.m. to participate in the recording and performance.

Thanks to the CVF board, my friends and family, the Gerbode Foundation and undisclosed sources deep within California government for help with this project.

The first Proposition Song was for the 2000 election, followed by songs in 2006, 2010 and 2012. There is also a bootleg 2009 California Special Election song we recorded but didn't release.

Making proposition songs is something that brings me joy and I hope it does the same for you! Mostly I hope you sing and play along.

The California Proposition Blues

Tune: Traditional Blues

Lyrics: Kim Alexander

E

Just the other day it arrived in the mail,

                                                              E7

My official voter guide I said, “What the hell?”

            A7                                           E

Let’s take a look, see what it’s all about

  B7                             A7                            E             B7

I read and read but I still can’t figure it out.

Started with the first one, Proposition One

It’s not in the same guide as the rest of ‘em

It’s “Supplemental” – it arrived later on

That’s why it took a bit longer to write this song

So I went online for the pros and cons

Turns out Prop. 1 is a water bond

It could help address the drought in our state

Seven billion to pay for infrastructure that’s out of date

Prop. 2 is next, it’s a complicated one

Something about the state’s rainy day fund

If it passes, we’ll have to save more

And pay down the state’s debts faster than we did before

Bear with me now, this doesn’t make sense

But Prop. 45 is the one that comes next

It’s confusing, but watcha gonna do?

I’ll vote but still have the California Proposition Blues

See, the insurance commissioner wants more control

The health insurance companies, they say “No!”

As a voter, it’s up to you to choose

I understand if you’ve got the California Proposition Blues

The next one is also a health care prop

46 affects California’s docs

It changes the cap on medical suits

And tries to cut down on alleged doctor drug abuse.

47 is next and it deals with crime

Should non-violent offenders do less time?

Supporters say, vote yes because

They think we should change California sentencing laws

48’s unlike the rest of ‘em

No initiative, it’s a referendum

In support, some tribes they do rally

A yes vote allows a new casino in the Central Valley

If you want more info, you can go online

Try Calvoter.org we’re open all the time

We’ll help you decide who should win or lose

And help you avoid the California Proposition Blues!