The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has a reputation for responding to tragedy in the way it knows best: Singing to articulate their feelings.
A video they posted to TikTok performing a traditional Irish blessing in memory of the lives lost in Uvalde, Texas, has had over three-quarters of a million views.
In it, members of the chorus rest a supportive hand upon each other’s shoulders as they perform.
Watch below.
@sfgaymenschorus SFGMC sings in solidarity and remembrance of the victims of Uvalde, TX. #uvalde #change #singing #choralmusic #lgbt #irishblessing ♬ SFGMC sings Irish Blessing – San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
“We are heartbroken and shaken by the senseless and preventable act of violence in Uvalde, TX, yesterday,” reads a caption on the video.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
“While we offer this song in solidarity, we know that thoughts and prayers are simply not enough. From Sandy Hook to Pulse Nightclub, to countless other mass shootings in this country, we have seen this happen time and again.
“Something has to change.”
“When words fail us, that’s when we sing.”
It then goes on to list the names of those killed.
Related: Ted Cruz responds to Texas school shooting in the worst possible way
The tragedy took place Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. A lone 18-year-old gunman killed 19 elementary kids, most around ten years old, and two teachers.
The gunman, Salvador Ramos, shot and seriously injured his 66-year-old grandmother before setting off for the school. Ramos was later shot by authorities at the school. However, questions are now being asked about why police did not engage with him sooner. It’s believed Ramos was holed up in a classroom for up to an hour before authorities stormed the building.
Many have thanked the SF Chorus for its simple tribute.
On TikTok, one user commented, “As a Columbine High School survivor and choir student, this brought me to tears because of its sheer beauty. Thank you. You are amazing.”
Another said, “I’ve held it back all day. As a K-6 Music teacher, I’m thankful for your beautiful singing. Weeping in Canada for lives lost to gun violence.”
Another summed up the feelings of many: “For those of us who have no idea what to say, you sang it for us.😔”
Related: Rep. Paul Gosar’s vile tweet about Texas school shooting has folks demanding he resign
Jim
Americans need to face the fact that they really aren’t that concerned about these senseless deaths.
KyleMichelSullivan
You’re right. We aren’t. If we were, we’d do something to stop it. Instead we whine and blame a host of excuses, none of which are worth a damn, as an entire segment of the population viciously attacks those who have the nerve to call for a change to this path.
Begging Republicans to join us on this is not going to work. Waiting for the Supreme Court to join with us on this is not going to work. What we have to do is vote Democrat in such massive numbers, the Republicans are made immaterial, then we have to pass ironclad laws and maybe even Constitutional Amendments to bring about the change this country needs. Thing is, I don’t think we can do it.
andrewl
@Jim, I agree with you. Besides vomiting out the sickening platitude ‘thoughts and prayers’ nothing is being done. The NRA is holding its dam National Convention this weekend, why isn’t there a riot going on burning down the building it’s being held in. There are times when extreme acts are required.
missvamp
There was a protest outside the George r. Brown. Which btw, is HUGE! Burning it down isn’t the answer, violence to answer more violence is senseless. The people who work there are innocent. There were probably other events too, all full of innocent people.
Georgeiv2
Religion needs to be banned in the USA its evil , full of foul crazy people who think its fine to murder children There is only one true God in America and thats money. You have 50 members of the Senate who take money to say what their masters tell them to say with no regard to the will of the people 42 % of America already reject religion when will their voices be heard ? But the voters still re-elect these disgusting murderers . Enough with these Evangelical Christians get rid of them ,close the churches which are their tax free money grabbing cons Every vote for a Republican is a vote to allow the killing of Americans .If you let this continue then each and every one of you is to blame
johncp56
Ditto, tax-free scum, hiding behind a fairytale, gun laws need to change, In the last 6 years the GOP has proven to be scum, when will it change