The Long Afternoon has been simultaneously humbled and amused to observe how its song “The Chameleonaires” has inspired Occupy Wall Street and similar protests throughout the United States. Until now, the group has been content to let the song fulfill its own destiny in accordance with the vagaries of fashion and popularity.

However, given the increasingly volatile climate surrounding the protests and the association of their song with some of the more extreme activitists, the group can no longer remain silent.

The Long Afternoon acknowledges that its song “The Chameleonaires” contains language and imagery that allude to class warfare and that suggest some extremely rich people do not have the best of intentions toward the rabble. However, the song does not advocate rebellion against the power elites. It could even be interpreted as suggesting the ultimate purpose of most people is to serve the cream of the crop in society.

In short, the song plays with themes of ambiguity and complexity, as does much of the group’s work. The Long Afternoon takes no sides in the class war, and will neither endorse nor disparage the points of view of either side.

The Long Afternoon trusts that this statement will adequately clarify its position vis a vis Occupy Wall Street and any alleged responsibility the song may have played in inspiring its organizers. The group is confident this statement will eliminate further threats from those who both agree and disagree with Occupy Wall Street protestors.

Misguided demands for the Long Afternoon to withdraw the song from the marketplace will not be accommodated. The group’s optimism and faith in peoples’ intelligence remain unwavering, and with this spirit the group will continue to keep “The Chameleonaires” available both as a single and as a track on the album An Index of Maladjustments.

— Ginger M. Armalade, group spokesperson