In today's politically-charged social climate, I'd like to share five of my favorite songs, and how they are relevant with today's current events.
1. "Wake Up Everybody" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
With a running time of seven-and-a-half minutes, the '70s R&B song "Wake Up Everybody" is an absolute classic.
The reason why I love this song, apart from the beautiful string arrangement, is the lyrics are still socially relevant.
"Wake up, all the teachers
Time to teach a new way
Maybe then they'll listen
To what'cha have to say
'Cause they're the ones who's coming up
And the world is in their hands
When you teach the children
Teach 'em the very best you can."
In the aftermath of the Parkland Shooting, it's important for students, from Parkland and across the country, to have a platform to speak. We cannot let this tragedy be forgotten in the age of the 24-hour news cycle.
It's a difficult, multifaceted problem, from loose gun availability laws to failures in mental health diagnosis and law enforcement action. The news media like to paint with a broad brush and push a certain agenda. One thing both sides of the political isle can agree on is we have to work on a solution together. This means we can't demonize the other side if they have valid disagreements.
I love this song because it instills a sense of urgency while having an positive attitude about the future.
2. "Brand New Day" by Van Morrison
"Brand New Day" is a country-rock song released in 1970. But to me, with the wonderful background vocals, its spiritual.
"When all the dark clouds roll away
And the sun begins to shine
I see my freedom from across the way
And it comes right in on time."
I love Morrison's optimism about life, and regardless whether you're religious or not, everyone can use this positive message.
3. "Wholy Holy" by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is one of the finest singers I've ever heard. His 1971 album release, called "What's Going On," is a definite masterpiece. One of its lesser known songs is "WholyHoly." It’s a simple song lyrically, but the musical arrangement, with beautiful use of saxophone and flute, is stunning.
The message is simple: we can create a better society if we work together and towards virtue.
"Oh Lord, we can conquer hate forever, we need him."
You don't have to be Christian to appreciate what Jesus stands for. Thoughts and prayers do a lot of good for morale, but they must be coupled with the appropriate action.
"People, we all got to come together..."
4. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's work in the '60s was, and continues to be, highly influential. Dylan is my favorite songwriter, and the lyrics to his song "Blowin' in the Wind" pop into my head often.
"Yes, ’n’ how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind."
"Yes, ’n’ how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn’t see?"
The song is centered on nine questions, and there is a sadness to the lyrics. Will the answers always be out of our reach? I interpret the lyrics from a more hopeful perspective: the answers are out there, and it is our duty to find them.
5. "Live Forever" by Oasis
“Oasis” is best known for their song "Wonderwall," but my favorite might be "Live Forever."
The lead singer, Liam Gallagher, has a battered and affective voice. I have loved this song for a couple years now, and after the horrific Manchester bombing, I looked at the song in a whole new light.
Liam surprised the crowd at the "One Love Manchester" concert and sung "Live Forever." With the background screen showing the message "I Love MCR," it’s clear Liam was utilizing the song’s fearless optimism to raise the spirits of the city and the world. I now look at it as a statement of defiance; horrible acts of violence and terrorism will never be the norm.
"We're gonna live forever..."
Here is a Spotify Playlist with these songs!
