XILLAN, MY BROTHER’S TONGUE IS A GUN | Track Review 🎵

Surinamese, Netherlands-based musician XILLAN delivers a tour de force as he chooses war in the arduous fight to live and love as he chooses.

Sexuality is a complex thing.  For those who have never been criticized, shamed, or hated yourself because of sexuality, BE GRATEFUL.  That is not everyone’s story, particularly depending on culture, ethnic background, family, and simply, location.  Surinamese, Netherlands based musician 🎙 XILLAN (Xillan Macrooy) gets real about ‘being different’ or perceived to be different because of sexuality.  On his previous single, 🎵 “OH HAPPY DAY”, he rid of stigmas and what anybody else thinks in favor of enjoying the pleasures of life and love without constraints. On 🎵 “MY BROTHER’S TONGUE IS A GUN”, he addresses the treatment received by those close to him.  Instead of letting their judgment get to him, he chooses war. 

“MY BROTHER’S TONGUE IS A GUN” commences with warm piano chords.  There is an enigmatic air – a somber sentiment – established early on.  XILLAN sets the tone: “Every time I hold my lover’s hand / For my brother and his mother to see / I choose war / I choose war.” The lover is male, and homosexuality is frowned upon (sometimes persecuted) in many African countries, as well as in various black and brown communities.  Sadly, it draws the ire of many 🤬.  He adds, the titular lyric: “Every time I hold my lover’s hand / My brother’s tongue is a gun / And I choose war / I choose war.”  Perhaps my brother’s tongue is specific, BUT the bigger picture is the view of an entire community.

The evidence that XILLAN is thinking bigger as the marvelous storyteller that he is, is what he unveils as the song progresses. The scenario is applicable and relatable to so many that hail from a community of color and understand they’re NOT like everyone else.  “My brother’s mother prays to a god she was given / And she numbs herself with gospel,” he sings, adding, “His father never says a thing / He don’t know how to find the words.” Of course, because of being gay, “the sons [have] fallen.” Even as a fallen son, XILLAN shows resolve and bravery, embracing the war. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do, and why shouldn’t he live his life with the person he loves. Throughout the course of this musical essay, Macrooy is authentic, honest, and vulnerable, truly speaking to an experience shared by so many yet rarely publicized, particularly in music.  He delivers a gorgeous falsetto as well as impressive mid and lower register moments.  He gives us poise, contrasting with incredibly expressive, thrilling highs, fueled by homophobia, judgment, and intolerance.  Can’t neglect to mention those rhythmic drums, which are a perfect for the tone poem of this social war not only being fought within XILLAN’s community, but so many communities throughout the world.

Ultimately, I could pen an essay about 🎵 “MY BROTHER’S TONGUE IS A GUN” –  line by line, vocal nuance by nuance.  It’s EPIC to the n^th degree, and the music speaks for itself.  If you take anything away from this song, and my 500+ words, don’t partake in any way of making anyone destroy themself because of who they are.  The world is big enough for everyone, and our differences are to be celebrated, not condemned.    

🎙 XILLAN • 🎵 “MY BROTHER’S TONGUE IS A GUN” • 🏷 XILLAN • 🗓 6.16.23

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; XILLAN; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]