With “White Lie: Carolyn’s Story,” Chris Oledude delivers a song that refuses to fade quietly into the background. Built on a rhythm that feels immediately engaging, the track slowly reveals a far heavier purpose, one rooted in the tragic 1955 killing of Emmett Till and the lie that helped make it possible. Released during Black History Month, the song boldly ventures into morally uncomfortable territory, using music as a vehicle to explore guilt, denial, and the enduring damage of racial violence. It’s the kind of record that may hook you on the beat, but stays with you because it demands reflection long after the final note.
“White Lie” stands out especially because of the rhythm it carries through elements of pop, funk, and R&B, also the lyrics demand attention and repeat listens. Rather than offering simple answers, Oledude frames the narrative as a psychological reckoning—an exploration of denial, fear, and moral collapse within a racist system. The result is intense, unsettling, and deeply intentional, reinforcing the idea that truth, once spoken, refuses to disappear.
Chris Oledude’s life story gives this work added weight. A Puerto Rican–born artist raised in a home steeped in music, activism, and public service, Oledude has spent decades balancing cultural work with civic engagement. Encouraged early on by folk legend Pete Seeger, his songwriting has always leaned toward social justice. After personal loss and years away from the spotlight, his return to music in 2020 marked a renewed commitment to speaking directly to the urgency of the moment.
“White Lie” also stands out for its collaborative strength. Dr. Wendy A. Ward’s lead vocals deliver emotional gravity, supported by Lindsey Wilson’s lyrical contributions and Geoffrey Owens’ expressive guitar work. Like Oledude’s acclaimed visual projects, the accompanying video deepens the song’s impact. Ultimately, this single is less about revisiting history than confronting its echoes today. “White Lie” insists that remembrance is resistance and that truth, no matter how buried, cannot die.
Connect with CHRIS OLEDUDE on FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, OLEDUDE.ROCKS, SPOTIFY, TIKTOK, INSTAGRAM
English