Mar 29: Wallflower, Biko and Amnesty International

'Wallflower' is a track on Peter Gabriel's fourth eponymous solo album, which was released in 1982.

It is inspired by the work of Amnesty International.

Gabriel explained that he decided to orient the lyrics around prisoners of conscience after viewing an Amnesty International television program related to the topic. Gabriel drew from reports about the plights of political prisoners in Europe and Latin America, particularly the multiple arrests of Polish Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa during martial law and Amnesty International's efforts to free dissidents interred in mental hospitals. Gabriel occasionally prefaced live performances of the song by mentioning the work of Amnesty International.

This organisation, supported by Gabriel works to support political prisoners.

On an earlier album he explored similar issues with his track 'Biko'.

"You can blow out a candle

But you can't blow out a fire

Once the flames begin to catch

The wind will blow it higher"

He ends his live concerts with this song.

The song was also covered by Simple Minds on their album 'Street Fighting Years'.

Via Wikipedia

In 2021, a version of Biko was recorded and released through Playing for Change in honour of Black History Month, 40 years after the song's initial release. More than 25 musicians from seven countries joined Gabriel on the recording, including Beninese vocalist and activist Angélique Kidjo, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello.