‘We’re all in this together’: Burnaby politicians release COVID-19 solidarity anthem

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BURNABY (NEWS 1130) Two municipal politicians in Burnaby have released an original song during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Why?

“ ‘Cause we’re all in this together and we’ve got to brave this stormy weather,” the song’s chorus explains.


Mayor Mike Hurley and Coun. Joe Keithley released “We’re All in This Together” on YouTube Tuesday.

The pair is also selling the song on iTunes, with proceeds going to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Keithley, who is also the frontman of legendary punk band D.O.A., said he wrote the song in an effort to galvanize support for frontline workers and physical distancing practices.

“I just thought, ‘OK, everybody’s getting tired of COVID and we will get more tired of it as we go along, but you know what? If we do the right thing and follow these rules from the health authorities, then it’s just going to shorten it and then you’ll be able to go camping, you’ll be able to go to the beach,” he told NEWS 1130.

When he wants to get a message out, Keithley said his first instinct is to write a song.

“I’ve been doing that for a long time, so is just a really effective way to get people to listen to it,” he said.

The two council members, who were rival mayoral candidates in 2018 before Keithley endorsed Hurley and ran for council, model physical distance in the video by standing several metres apart as they perform the song at Deer Lake Park.

Keithley said he had no trouble convincing Hurley, a longtime amateur musician, to play bass for the song.

“Joe wrote this great song, and I hope it energizes and fortifies people to stay strong,” Hurley said in a press release. “It captures the community’s grit and determination that we see all around us today, and calls on us to double down on our commitment to each other and beat COVID-19.”

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