Echoes of Survival: Dollar Signs in Veins

 

I composed these rap lyrics during my cancer therapy when, in the last stages of treatment, my insurance didn't cover the expenses, leaving me responsible for the payment. Unable to afford it, they withheld my medication, leading to an interruption in my treatment and heightening the risk of developing a secondary cancer.

Dollar Signs in Veins

Copyright 2023 - Walter Hargrave

Seeking a partnership with a talented hip-hop artist and producer to transform this piece into a professionally licensed performance.

Example changes by Formaldehyde Slums @LoopCitySlums

Don't have the privilege to cope, or the medical rights

All the while financially broke, my body fighting for life

Looking for capsules of hope, and so i'm rollin the dice,

Because a package of dope, has a lower toll on the price...

 

(Verse 1)

In the land of the free, where dreams get chased,

There's a darker side, a bitter aftertaste.

Skyscrapers touching clouds, but down below,

Lies a truth so harsh, a relentless blow.

Pills and potions, life's saving grace,

But if your pockets empty, you're losing the race.

Big Pharma's kingdom, where wealth's the key,

In the game of life, no play for free.

(Chorus)

Dollar signs in veins, it's a cold blood flow,

If your wallet's thin, the cure's a no-show.

In the valley of the rich, the sun might shine,

But in the shadows of the broke, no lifeline.

(Verse 2)

Capsules of hope, but only for a price,

In the market of life, they rolling the dice.

Golden pills for the gilded, that's the rule,

In the corridors of power, money's the tool.

Hearts beating in rhythm with cash registers' sound,

In this concrete jungle, humanity's bound.

Health's a luxury, not a right,

In the fight for survival, only the wealthy in sight.

(Bridge)

Boom bap beats, echoing the pain,

Of those unseen, in the pharmaceutical chain.

Voices unheard, in the rush for more,

In the pursuit of profit, they close the door.

(Chorus)

Dollar signs in veins, it's a tragic flow,

In the world of the rich, the poor just shadows.

In the alleys of despair, no healing light,

Only the echoes of a forgotten fight.

(Outro)

So listen to the story, hear the call,

In the world of medicine, justice for all?

Or just a tale, where the rich prevail,

And the poor, in silence, just set to fail.

Possible Arrangement

Drum Beat

Kick Drum: Use a heavy, deep kick drum sound for a solid beat. It should hit hard and be the backbone of your rhythm.

Snare Drum: A crisp, sharp snare on the second and fourth beats of each measure. The snare should cut through the mix.

Hi-Hats: Add hi-hats for a steady rhythm, playing eighth or sixteenth notes. The hi-hats can be slightly off-beat for a more 'laid back' feel.

Bass Line

Deep and Simple: The bass line should be deep and resonate with the kick drum. Keep it simple, focusing on the groove rather than complex melodies.

Melodic Elements

Samples or Synth: Boom Bap often uses samples from old soul, jazz, or funk records. Alternatively, a simple melodic line played on a synthesizer can work.

Sparse Chords: Occasional chords from a piano or an electric piano can add depth without overwhelming the beat.

Arrangement Structure

Intro: Start with a simple beat or a sample to set the tone.

Verse: Bring in the full drum beat and bass line when the verse starts. Keep melodic elements more in the background.

Chorus: Make the chorus stand out by adding more layers or changing the drum pattern slightly.

Bridge: You can strip back elements or introduce a different melody or sample.

Outro: Fade out with a simpler version of the beat or a lingering sample.

Mixing

Drums Front and Center: The drums should be the most prominent part of the mix.

Vocals Clear and Present: Ensure the vocals are clear and sit well in the mix without competing with the drums.

Bass Warm and Deep: The bass should feel warm and fill the lower end of the spectrum.

Vocal Delivery

Rhythmic and Expressive: Your vocal delivery should be rhythmic, aligning with the beat, and expressive to convey the message of the lyrics.

Final Touches

Scratching or DJ Effects: Adding turntable scratches or other DJ effects can enhance the classic Boom Bap feel.

Reverb and Delay: Use these effects sparingly to add space without muddying the mix.

Echoes of Disparity: A Tale of Two Cities in the Shadow of Wealth - Fictional Short Story

Copyright 2023 Walter Hargrave

Prologue:

In a world where the skyline is a silhouette of prosperity and the streets below whisper tales of forgotten souls, Walter Hargrave's song, "Dollar Signs in Veins," begins its story. The setting is a society sharply divided, where the glittering lights of wealth cast long shadows over the plight of the impoverished.

Chapter 1: The City of Contrasts

Ella, a young nurse, walks through the bustling city. Above her, skyscrapers kiss the clouds, symbols of a thriving economy. But at street level, the reality is different. She passes by homeless shelters, overcrowded clinics, and sees the desperation in the eyes of those who can't afford healthcare. The city, a stark mosaic of wealth and poverty, sets the stage for our tale.

Chapter 2: The Golden Pills

Ella works at a high-end private hospital, a stark contrast to the world just outside its doors. Here, the wealthy receive top-tier medical treatments, their health secured by their affluence. In a poignant scene, Ella administers a costly, life-saving medication to a wealthy patient, knowing that just miles away, such treatments are but a distant dream for many.

Chapter 3: The Other Side

After her shift, Ella volunteers at a free clinic in a neglected part of the city. Here, the reality is grim: limited supplies, long waiting times, and a palpable sense of despair. She meets Tom, a single father who's struggling to get medication for his sick child. His story is a stark reminder of the healthcare disparity – a life hanging in the balance, tethered by the thin thread of financial stability.

Chapter 4: Echoes of Inequality

One evening, as Ella walks home, she hears a street musician, his lyrics a reflection of the city's heartbeat. "Dollar signs in veins, it's a cold blood flow," he sings, his voice echoing off the city walls. This encounter leaves Ella deep in thought about the societal divide and the role of healthcare as both a privilege and a right.

Chapter 5: The Crossroads

Ella faces a moral dilemma when she discovers a way to divert some excess, yet-to-expire medicine from her workplace to the free clinic. The risk is enormous, but so is the potential to save lives. Torn between her professional oath and her desire to help those in need, she grapples with the decision.

Chapter 6: A Spark of Hope

After much deliberation, Ella decides to act. In a tense sequence, she discreetly transfers the medicine to the free clinic, bringing a glimmer of hope to those in need. This act of defiance against the system ignites a small but significant change, inspiring others in her community to find ways to bridge the healthcare gap.

Epilogue: Reflections

As the story closes, Ella reflects on her actions and the ongoing struggle for healthcare equality. "Dollar Signs in Veins" echoes in the background, a haunting reminder of the continuing fight for a world where health is a right, not a luxury. The story ends with a call to action, urging readers to consider their role in shaping a more equitable society.

In "Dollar Signs in Veins," Hargrave's lyrics are not just words, but a catalyst for change, weaving a narrative that challenges us to confront the realities of healthcare disparity and to seek justice in the world of medicine.