Bullies again.
One thing bullies do that I’ve mentioned before is isolate folks. They say outlandish things and if you don’t agree, you’re blessed with feeling alone with the truth. One good way to combat this is protest music. Either listening to it or making it, it’s a fantastic way to make friends who aren’t bullies. Not only that, when someone sings lyrics you agree with, you don’t feel alone. Protest music is valuable that way. It covers ground.
In Lord of the Rings, there’s a scene where they light bonfires all across middle earth to muster forces against the enemy. In our world, protest music does the same thing.
In the Navy..
When I was in the Navy, we were subjected to mustard gas. The petty officers had done it before, routine for them. All of us were in there with our hands raised because we weren’t allowed to touch our faces or skin. It wasn’t scary. But I imagine if I had been alone, it would have been terrifying. Protest music is like that too.
What about music and saving yourself?
And finally, in the throes of bipolar disorder I drove around the country looking for old girlfriends and crystal meth-amphetamine several years ago. I don’t want to tell you how lonely I was. Yes, protest music has even helped there. Found someone I related to and made an album with them. Alive today to tell the tale.
A better place for who?
Protest music gives. It gives comfort. Motivation. Peace of mind. But the most important things I get from it (in my opinion) are allies. When folks like it and gimme’ a high five, the world is literally a better place for me. It’s priceless.
Protest music does little to change minds or hearts. So my focus isn’t on the enemy, it’s on my friends. I want folks to feel strong, right, determined, and free. The enemy doesn’t need that, my friends do.
There’s a lot out there about knowing your crowd and catering to them. I don’t get wrapped up in that stuff too much because I consider myself an art type, not a jukebox. However, singing songs for friends makes a lot more sense than singing them for enemies. Most of us have loads of both, (whether we know it or not). Don’t give the enemy your talents. Muster some friends. You might need them. They might need each other. Protest music helps that.
Music was a big deal in battle in the old days.
In the Civil War, musicians were on the battlefield. They somehow felt it necessary to fight with their band going. Die to it. Don’t discount the importance of protest music. Only recently has it gotten cheap along with other songs. It’s still as priceless as ever for personal battles. I’ll take it.
This smarmy fucker.
Side Note:
Alexander H. Stephens was the vice president of the South in the Civil War here in the USA. Before shots rang out, he gave a speech in Savanah called “The Cornerstone Speech.” In it he very clearly describes what the South was fighting for. It was states’ rights alright. A state’s right to own people.
Protest music must happen.
Some songsters might feel they can help other ways besides lyrics. I hope everyone gets involved and pitches in music or ideas or engineering. It’s not just a luxury, protest music. It’s a sign of a pulse. I think lots of folks out there might need that. They might need to hear someone who feels the way they do. It’s good work if you’re able. Good luck..🍀
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