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AMY GOODMAN: Legendary poet, singer, author and activist Patti Smith has been awarded a key to New York City. Smiths music has inspired countless bands and helped earn her the title of queen of punk. Her song People Have the Power has become an anthem at protests across the globe. Patti Smith has also been a longtime activist, performing regularly at antiwar rallies and political benefits. She gave an emotional acceptance speech during a ceremony Monday with outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Patti Smith: I kept thinking of what New York City has given to me. I came here in 1967 from a rural area of South Jersey. I had just a few dollars in my pocket, nowhere to stay, no real prospects. But I came here to get a job and to see what I could to see what I was made of. And I found that the city, with all of its diversities and possibilities, if youre willing to work, if you maintain your enthusiasm, youll make it.

AMY GOODMAN: And those are some of the headlines. This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report. Im Amy Goodman.

PATTI SMITH: [singing] Where there were deserts, I saw fountainsAnd like cream the waters riseAnd we strolled there togetherWith none to laugh or criticize

Well, the leopard and the lambLay together truly boundWell, I was hopin in my hopinTo recall what I had found

I was dreamin in my dreaminGod knows a pure viewAs I surrender into my sleepinI commit my dream with you

People have the power to dreamPeople have the power to votePeople have the power to strikePeople have the power to live

The power to dream, to ruleTo wrestle the world from foolsIts decreed the people ruleWell, its decreed the people rule

Listen, I believe everythin we dreamCan come to pass through our unionWe can turn the world aroundWe can turn the Earths revolution

People have the powerPeople have the powerThe people have the powerPeople have the power

Dont forget it! Use your voice! Democracy now!

AMY GOODMAN: Patti Smith performing People Have the Power with Michael Stipe of R.E.M. at Democracy Now!s 20th anniversary celebration five years ago at Riverside Church. She was awarded the key to New York City on Monday.

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People Have the Power: Poet & Singer Patti Smith Awarded Key to New York City - Democracy Now!