About the Song
Nolan wrote about her song: "I wrote this song in 2007 when Viola Desmond was not so famous as I learned of Canada segregation laws (Blacks & Whites not allowed in same schools, movies etc..) Viola was not on the Canadian money in 2007. She reminded me of Rosa Parks & more importantly of the many unnamed, the thousands of good souls who have stood up against injustice not for profit but from moral strength, human kindness & the belief in equality for all peoples, 'An injustice against one is an injustice against all!' "
Summer of '47, town of Glace Bay
Segregation laws still in place
She walked in the movie theater with her head up high
She sat down under a sign that said "No Blacks allowed"
Viola said "I'm not moving back anymore!"
The owner could not move her, so the police were called
Took her to the cell, there she suffered for us all
She said "I will not pay the bail to a system that fails
Whereby my colour I am judged to be less than everyone
No more segregation, she won integration
Singing "Freedom now!" in every land & every nation
Her name is never called, her stories never told
Like so many heores who fought for justice for us all
Her name was Vi-i-i-i-ola Desmond
Her name was Vi-i-i-i-ola Desmond
Her name was Viola Desmond
- lyrics & music by Faith Nolan (c) 2017 Faith Nolan. All rights reserved.