If I was Wild (Music Video) - Relating Human and Wildlife Oppression

Both humans and wildlife face displacement and abandonment, and the If I was Wild music video explores issues of systematic oppression through the lens of relating human struggles to those of wildlife. This video is the result of the #IfIwasWild campaign, which connects the causes of human and wildlife survival through Music and Media Outreach. The campaign launched in July 2021 with the #IfIwasWildChallenge, a music contest that drew submissions from 50 artists from around the country. We held meetups in Chicago, L.A., New Bedford, and Richmond, numerous live broadcasts and virtual events, building a community of artists who shared their stories. The video is directed by Ben Gilbarg and features the winner of the #IfIwasWildChallenge, Kidd Da Great from Akron, OH, and Warren “Dzign” Dickson, organizing partner for #IfIwasWild, from Watts, CA. #IfIwasWild is a partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, #SaveLACougars, 3rd Rock Hip-Hop, and Big Picture Anthems.

More info about the campaign can be found at www.IfIwasWild.org

If I was Wild Lyrics:

Warren “Dzign” Dickson

Do you look at birds feathers to decide if it deserves better
is my skin color, what they use to measure me?
if i was bird i would fly just to find peace
sometimes i watch them just to find me
roads and intersection cut off animals in different directions
that's the same as systematic oppression
Is a racoon really a thief or is that how we look at it?
Or are they really tryin’ to survive cause they don't have it, how they had it?
I know that I've been judged due to a misunderstanding
but all we got is love, we all gotta live on this planet
we don't appreciate a caterpillar until it turns into a butterfly and shows its colors
that should reminds us not to judge a book by a cover
or by the current circumstances of someone
if I was a bee I'd be buzzing, and if I was a plant
I would hope that I could be a rose, so I could give you all a Dozen
most of the bugs and insects I see around me
travel with their relatives like we do with our families
coyotes howling but it reminds me, of us crying
cause we want you to love us like you love mountain lions
we feel for the Lions but we want your alliance
and some empathy cause one day we may need your guidance
and we may need your voice, we don't need your silence
we're just like each other, the animals are like us

Chorus:
Warren “Dzign” Dickson

Feeling like nobody hears me scream
Can I fly with broken wings?
Facing these roads will I make it across
I know one day I’ll win, but right now I’m lost
If I was Wild
Would you love me?
Would you be there for me?
Yeah, would you love me?

Kidd Da Great:

i was comfortable in coach trying master my approach
life can be hard i never seen a pretty roach
Locked in a cage I’m on a verge of an extinction
they burning my home tryna cover up existence
one in a million like a ant i made this hill to chill
climate left me scared I’m bald but got a eagle feel
gentle being trapped im doing things that got harambe killed
imagine being an animal tryna express to dr Phil
pollution in the air and my water get tainted
they tagging my deer them head lights a make you famous
sweeter than honey but this buzzing won’t save us
separate the queen from her king is how they tamed us
this jungle been apart of me working all the angles
from the grass to the trees i can’t survive without nature
reaction to the cause of these humans a come later
created for a purpose I’m not here for the luxury
the decadence of my appearance is why they be loving me
this pack full of wolves
that why they ain’t out here hunting me
moving through the night I’m nocturnal they can barely see
the senses I’m obtain is how i remain to stay free
born in the wild this a story you’ll never heed
you worried bout yourself
but understand that every creature bleed
Stop living for yourself understand we got an equal need

Chorus:
Warren “Dzign” Dickson

Feeling like nobody hears me scream
Can I fly with broken wings?
Facing these roads will I make it across
I know one day I’ll win, but right now I’m lost
If I was Wild
Would you love me?
Would you be there for me?
Yeah, would you love me?
I see you, I see me
I see all that we can be
Something better than we ever did
We’re more connected than we ever been
I see your eyes, I’ll cry for you
I see your pain and I’ll fight for you
If I was Wild
Would you love me?

Credits:
Directed by Ben Gilbarg
Filmed by Ethan de Aguiar
Edited by Ben Gilbarg
Beat produced by Buckroll Beats
Chorus written / musical direction by Warren Dickson
Graphics by Ethan Gallo
Color by Dan Goldsmith
Mural painted by Jonathan Martinez
Song Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Kevin Chubirka of Haven Studios

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#IfIwasWild #IfIwasWildChallenge #SaveLACougars