Singer-songwriter Prince records ode to Baltimore in the wake of Freddie Gray protests
CNN  — 

Prince released his anticipated tribute song “Baltimore” on Saturday, calling for justice and peace in the wake of protests over Freddie Gray’s death.

The unrest in Baltimore moved Prince to record a song critical of the killing of young African-American men, a publicist for the artist said last week. The song mentions Michael Brown and Gray, who both died in police-related altercations.

“Does anyone hear us pray?

For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray

Peace is more than the absence of war.”

An upbeat ditty considering the subject matter, the song says “let’s take all the guns away.”

“If there ain’t no justice then there ain’t no peace.”

The song was released the day before the performing artist’s Mother’s Day concert in Baltimore.

The concert is intended to be “a catalyst for pause and reflection” following the protests that gripped Baltimore and spread throughout the country, organizers said.