(July 7, 2020) While COVID-19 was still the number one global news story, 2x GRAMMY-nominated duo, The Baylor Project (comprised of former Zhané vocalist Jean Baylor and her musician husband Marcus Baylor), created a song for quarantine called, "Sit on Down." The groovy tune is fun to listen to but has a serious message - strongly urging us to do things at home rather than going out unnecessarily and possibly exposing others to the virus. The lyrics even give advice on what we can do while inside our homes: "Take a break from the hustle and grind and simply chill out / Take a nap, grab a book, watch some HBO / Got your Netflix, HULU, and the radio / Say a prayer, do the world a favor, and sit on down."
(July 7, 2020) While COVID-19 was still the number one global news story, 2x GRAMMY-nominated duo, The Baylor Project (comprised of former Zhané vocalist Jean Baylor and her musician husband Marcus Baylor), created a song for quarantine called, "Sit on Down." The groovy tune is fun to listen to but has a serious message - strongly urging us to do things at home rather than going out unnecessarily and possibly exposing others to the virus. The lyrics even give advice on what we can do while inside our homes: "Take a break from the hustle and grind and simply chill out / Take a nap, grab a book, watch some HBO / Got your Netflix, HULU, and the radio / Say a prayer, do the world a favor, and sit on down."
In addition to composing and recording the song, the Baylors made it an interactive experience. They came up with #TheBaylorProjectChallenge, inviting their fans and followers to sing their own version of "Sit on Down". Several responded, and were subsequently included in the song's official video. Recently, Jean Baylor (whose warm vocal style makes the song's message come across in an appealing way) made this comment about her and her husband's challenge-turned-anthem: "STAY HOME!!! As things are opening up across the country and cases are spiking, I feel like we need to give y'all this message again. The beach will be there next year. #SitOnDown COVID-19 is real!"
The virus is definitely real, but many have let their guard down about following safety precautions like wearing masks and social distancing because they want to enjoy themselves and the season without restriction. If you're feeling that way, "Sit on Down" encourages you to err on the side of caution and look out for your neighbor: "Why can't you understand it’s not about you / See, I'm here too and that's gotta mean a little something / All you gotta do is put it on pause for a few / There's a whole world full of life waiting for you." And The Baylor Project is using this opportunity to look out for their neighbor too, as a portion of the proceeds will be used to assist the music community during this crisis.
So check out the official video below, smile, be safe, and by all means, don't hesitate to...yes, you guessed it, sit on down.
By Darnea N. Samuels