Imelda May releases spoken word poem 'You Don't Get To Be Racist and Irish'

Singer-songwriter Imelda May has released a spoken word poem, written about the Black Lives Matter protests which have erupted worldwide since the homicide of George Floyd at the hands of police.

The moving poem, 'You Don't Get To Be Racist and Irish' was read out by the Irish artist for Culture on RTÉ today, with her debut EP of poetry due to drop this month.

'Home' was the beautiful first track to be premiered from her poetry album, Slip of the Tongue.

'You Don't Get To Be Racist And Irish' touches on Ireland's heritage and fight for freedom, oppression at the hands of the British Empire and the Famine, and points out the hypocrisy of singing songs about heroes and martyrs while looking down on others who are now suffering.

Touching on our "rainbow vote" of marriage equality, Ireland is a seemingly progressive country but we have work to do to become "40 shades better" and treat black and brown communities with empathy.

The famous phrase "No blacks, no dogs, no Irish" is called to attention by the singer, whose nine-track poetry album will be released on June 12.

Speaking about the body of work, the singer explained, "Melodies swirl in my head. Footsteps become the rhythm to a song. But often words don't feel like they need anything more than to be spoken aloud or read alone. "

Watch May's riveting performance of 'You Don't Get To Be Racist And Irish' below:

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