In 2013 I was invited to write a song for the RE:connection Project inspired by the documentary ‘Pussy Riot – A Punk Prayer’ directed by Mike Lerner and Maxim Pozdorovkin (At the time of writing this film is now archived on the BBC iPlayer). The project featured music by great artists and friends such as Emily Baker, Steve Lawson, Lobelia, Jamie Freeman and many others.
My contribution was ‘My God, How Can This Be?’ – inspired by the scene where Masha’s mother Natalia is talking about the involvement of the Russian Orthodox Church in the trial:
‘On one hand, it’s good people heard them and I fully support last year’s political protests. People take to the streets and speak out but the girls got the believers involved and the religious question is a most delicate one. A lot of ugliness has come to the surface. I received a few calls. Serious threats were made, very serious indeed. Threats of an Orthodox jihad. That they’ll rip her limbs off as soon as she gets out – and her child’s limbs too. And I thought, “My God, how can this be?”’
Long-time collaborator Simon Olivier jumped on board and made this video to accompany the song.
My God, How Can This Be? What's your poison, are you lonely? Suffocating in name only Holy moments blow your cover Decide Such a useful indication Of a peoples' inclination For what happens in a heartbeat Defines Close your eyes And see no future in a compromise A sleight of hand another grey disguise But my God, how can this be? My God, how can this be? There's no hang-up, just denial Follow us or face a trial We could love you if you'd only Change See the devil in the detail Hear the cunning old wives' tale With a screw loose and a shotgun We ride And hold your fire There's complication underneath desire Our Father held you but with razor wire But my God, how can this be? My God, how can this be? And what if I could shape your mind To think like mine Oh, the world would be so brave, yes? Oh, the world would be so brave, yes? Oh, the world would be so brave, yes? Oh, the world would be so brave...
Fiddes Smith 