Under Federal Fire [ICE version] by Sascha Ende

Hybrid digital production workflow using licensed AI-assisted tools. Fully cleared for commercial use.

Additional Information

Lyrics

[Intro]
Say her name…
Say it slow…

[Verse]
Streetlights flicker like they know the truth
Cold badges moving with nothing to prove
Hands on the wheel, heart beating fast
No warning given, just shadows that pass

They call it procedure, they call it the law
But blood on the pavement tells what I saw
A mother, a poet, a life erased
Stamped and filed like a federal case

[Pre-Chorus]
They write reports while the city cries
Camera shakes don’t match their lies

[Chorus]
Under federal fire, another name falls
They say it’s justice when the trigger calls
We are not numbers, we are not files
You can’t erase us with force and trials

Under federal fire, hear the crowd ignite
Say her name in the dead of night
We stand together, draw the line
No more silence, not this time

[Verse]
SUV rolling, backing away
They say “weapon,” we say “no way”
Freeze the frame, watch it slow
Truth in the footage they won’t show

Candles shaking in the winter air
Kicked to the ground like nobody cared
But sparks don’t die when you stomp the flame
They jump to the streets and scream her name

[Pre-Chorus]
Justice delayed is violence too
The city knows, the city moves

[Chorus]
Under federal fire, another name falls
They say it’s justice when the trigger calls
We are not numbers, we are not files
You can’t erase us with force and trials

Under federal fire, hear the crowd ignite
Say her name in the dead of night
We stand together, draw the line
No more silence, not this time

[Bridge]
They say justified
We say documented
They say threat
We say mother
We say poet
We say human

[Final Chorus]
Under federal fire, we won’t bow down
Every street turns battleground
Say her name, let it rise
You can’t bury truth with alibis

Under federal fire, hear the city roar
No more fear, not anymore
We are still here, we survive
Say her name — keep her alive

[Outro]
Say her name…
Say her name…

This is a track with immediate cinematic weight. From the opening moments, with its haunting female vocalizations and hushed, spoken-word intro, it establishes a tone that is both somber and deeply compelling. It’s not just a beat; it’s a narrative cue waiting for a powerful story. The production is clean, modern, and purposeful. The core of the track is a crisp, driving hip-hop beat, anchored by a heavy sub-bass that gives it a grounded, serious feel without overwhelming the mix. This foundation provides the perfect canvas for the lead male rap vocal, which is delivered with clarity, conviction, and emotional honesty. The performance is raw yet controlled, making every word impactful.

What truly elevates this piece for media use is its arrangement and dynamic arc. The verses are tense and story-driven, perfect for laying under dialogue or setting up a dramatic reveal. But the chorus is where this track becomes an invaluable asset for any editor or music supervisor. The hook is anthemic and unforgettable, lifted by a powerful layered choir that creates a sense of collective struggle and defiance. This section is tailor-made for film trailers, pivotal montages in a crime drama, or the title sequence of a social justice documentary. It has that rare quality of sounding both specific in its emotion and broad enough to score a wide range of intense, human stories.

The track’s structure provides multiple edit points, from the sparse, atmospheric bridge to the final, emotionally charged climax where the choir soars. This isn’t background music; it's a co-star in the narrative. It’s perfectly suited for projects that need to convey struggle, resilience, and the weight of modern urban life. I see this working brilliantly in a gritty HBO-style series, an A24 film, or a high-impact promotional campaign for a non-profit organization. It’s a top-tier production that delivers not just a mood, but a complete emotional statement.