Drum Sheet – 4 Non Blondes – Dear Mr. President

Released in 1992 on the Bigger, Better, Faster, More! album, “Dear Mr. President” by 4 Non Blondes stands as a searing political anthem wrapped in raw rock energy. Though overshadowed by the band’s hit “What’s Up?”, this track holds a special place for fans of confrontational lyrics, soaring vocals — and especially dynamic drumming. The song channels frustration with early ’90s U.S. politics, particularly under President George H. W. Bush, tackling issues like war, poverty, and government hypocrisy.

The song was written by Linda Perry, the band’s lead singer and principal songwriter. At the time, Perry was channeling a growing sense of disillusionment with political leadership. She crafted the lyrics as a letter to the President, voicing the concerns of everyday citizens who felt ignored. But musically, this wasn’t a ballad — it needed punch, attitude, and muscle. That’s where the band’s drummer, Dawn Richardson, came in.

Richardson’s drumming is the heartbeat of the song, giving it urgency and grit. The composition came together in jam sessions at the band’s San Francisco rehearsal space. Linda would bring a riff and a lyrical idea, and the rest of the band — including guitarist Roger Rocha and bassist Christa Hillhouse — would layer it into a full-bodied track. But it was Richardson’s drumming that gave the song its pulse: tight hi-hats, rolling toms, and explosive snare hits drive the verses forward with tension and anger. The groove starts lean and controlled, but opens into a crashing, cathartic release by the chorus — echoing the emotional crescendo of the lyrics.

“Dear Mr. President” was played live often during the band’s brief but intense touring years. Notably, it featured in their MTV Unplugged set, where even in a stripped-down setting, Richardson’s percussion kept the song’s core intensity intact with clever use of brushes, rimshots, and dynamic shifts. The song also became a fan favorite at protest-themed concerts in the early ’90s, particularly after the first Gulf War.

For drum lovers, “Dear Mr. President” is a masterclass in using the kit to tell a story. Every beat complements the mood — marching, building, erupting. It’s not just about rhythm; it’s about righteous anger made audible.