Richard Barone, the energetic frontman of acclaimed '80s cult band The Bongos, has traveled a windy road throughout his 30+ years as a major recording artist. Since emerging with The Bongos, Barone has gone on to a successful solo career that has transcended time, genre and occupation - the multi-tasker lists composer, theater director and author among his other talents.

And now he can list "activist." Barone says that he felt inspired after being connected to the occupiers putting together the benefit project Occupy This Album. As Barone retells the story, "I...called up my frequent collaborator Matthew Billy and told him ‘Hey, we need to be a part of this – but we only have a week to write and record a song.’ His response was, ‘Then let’s get to work!’”

While writing, Richard and his partner found inspiration in the 1930s depression-era song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" by Yip Harburg and Jay Gorney. Says Barone,"The message of that tune, written 81 years ago, is 100% applicable to our current situation. We took that sentiment, added a modern twist and out came ‘Hey, Can I Sleep on Your Futon?’" The result is a bright, melodic tune balanced by sobering lyrics written from the perspective of four main characters - a soldier, a musician, a student and an office worker - who are brought to life in the video above.

On joining the ranks of notable recording musicians who are donating music to raise funds for the movement, Barone is humble. "This is an unprecedented raising of voices. I am thrilled to add mine to the many."

Check out the clip and grab Richard's song on the forthcoming Occupy This Album on May 15...and keep an extra futon handy, just in case.