So I Went To Manzanar Song

So I Went To Manzanar

The Song

Dr. Carlson’s son Rick wrote and recorded this song which was inspired by his father’s experience at Manzanar, and by the importance of our vigilance to make sure nothing like this ever happens again in the USA, lest we forget.

I initially wrote the song “So I Went To Manzanar” out of respect to honor the past and the connection I had to it through my Dad, yet it evolved also into an anthem and metaphor for standing up to the injustices and prejudices we see happening today. After experiencing the event last month and meeting people involved in the tribute to the past, as well as activism for the present, the connection between the two has grown even stronger.

It was evident at the ceremony that Manzanar and the WWII internment camps continue to be beacons and symbols of the injustices that occurred in the past, that also provide inspiration to resist the currents of inhumanity and prejudices of the present. There is something phonetically strong about the name Manzanar as a symbol or place where we can go in our hearts and minds to stand up and be counted with our fellow man to resist those that seek to minimize others.

(Lyrics below)

Photo: Rick Carlson while attending the 54th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage

SO I WENT TO MANZANAR
Words and Music by Rick Carlson

There comes a time, to take a stand
And be counted, with your fellow man
Tear down the walls, open the gates
For the days we’ve lost, it’s come too
late
(Chorus)
So I went to Manzanar
To look in the face
Of who we are
Under the mountain
Beneath the stars
Where there’s hope in Manzanar

The open spaces that we can see
That mean nothing if you’re not free
To the horizon I look above
They can’t put fences around our love

So I went to Manzanar
To look in the face of who we are
Under the mountain beneath the stars
Where there’s hope in Manzanar

Now the souls have been set free
They live in the faces of you and me
Hear their voices that live on yet
So we remember and won’t forget

So I went to Manzanar
We’ll climb the mountain
And reach for the stars
And in the faces of who we are
Where there’s hope in Manzanar

So I went to Manzanar
We’ll climb the mountain
And reach for the stars
And in the faces of who we are
Where there’s hope in Manzanar
To where lives hope in Manzanar