I just need you all to know -- I see you. The hard work you do enjoying music, making music, and studying it. I believe in music like I believe in the power of words. It can change the world.
After the horrific events happening at the Capitol, I buried myself in music, looking for the words to help me deal with the emotions raining on me. I was angry; I felt like I couldn't help. Sharing things on social media isn't the same as doing something. So, I kept educating myself, but still, people are being attacked.
I guess this long story to tell you - we each have something we can do to make this world better. It just takes finding your route. Your gift.
This song spoke to me the other day:
"Dirty" - grandson.
"Is it time to lead or is it time to die? Time to raise hell or walk on by? Is there anybody out there that's payin' attention? Yeah, yeah Is it time to speak up or time for silence? Time for peace or is it time for violence? Is there anybody out there that's payin' attention? Yeah, yeah Tell me what you tryna hide And what you runnin' from inside 'Cause I got a surprise We might not make it to the mornin' So go on and tell me now Do you have enough love in your heart To go and get your hands dirty? It isn't that much, but it's a good start So go and get your hands dirty Do you love your neighbor? Is it in your nature? Do you love a sunset? Aren't you fed up yet? Do you have enough love in your heart To go and get your hands dirty? Yeah, yeah To go and get your hands dirty I got a skeleton under the floorboard I got a secret I need you to keep Run away, run away, you have been forewarned I don't wanna go off in the deep If we don't do somethin', we'll be stuck up in the mud again Don't wanna mess it up 'cause I want everything and nothing at all I've got a feeling when they walkin' on the ceilin' That the people needed healin' and they know Tell me what you tryna hide And what you runnin' from inside 'Cause I got a surprise We might not make it to the mornin' So go on and tell me now Do you have enough love in your heart To go and get your hands dirty? It isn't that much, but it's a good start So go and get your hands dirty Do you love your neighbor? Is it in your nature? Do you love a sunset? Aren't you fed up yet? Do you have enough love in your heart To go and get your hands dirty? Yeah, yeah To go and get your hands dirty Is there anybody out there that's payin' attention? Is there anybody out there that's payin' attention? Is there anybody out there that's payin' attention? Is there anybody out there? (there, there, there, there, there, there) So go on and tell me now (oh) Do you have enough love in your heart (Do you have enough love in your heart?) To go and get your hands dirty? It isn't that much, but it's a good start (a good start) So go and get your hands dirty Do you love your neighbor? Is it in your nature? Do you love a sunset? Aren't you fed up yet? Do you have enough love in your heart To go and get your hands dirty? Yeah, yeah To go and get your hands dirty"
First of all, if you haven't heard this song, go listen. Don't worry; I'll be here when you get back. Groovy jams, right??? That is partly what is so successful about this song. It is a "fight" song. It gets you ramped up, ready to go.
Next, is the purposeful use of questions. In psychology, they talk about the fact that if you are trying to keep an audience entertained, ask questions. It is because the human brain cannot help but respond to a question (even if it isn't always out loud). This song hits right at that - Aren't you fed up yet? Answer - yes! Is anybody listening? No, and I am sick of it! Are you ready to get your hands dirty?
Now, with this question, I admit I had some reservations. I don't believe fighting is the answer. But, the upbeat and this line "Do you have enough love in your heart?" sends the right message. Translation: Do you care enough about the injustices happening to your neighbors to go and do something about it?
Again, it doesn't give us what we can do, but we know each one of us possess a gift, a talent that we can share to help make the world a better place. Each person doing this can and will change things for better.
Are you a good speaker? Go tell people your opinions.
Are you an artist? Show people these injustices.
I can do this all day. Haha. The point is - yeah, you should be angry. Use that fuel to "get your hands dirty".
Gosh, that is badass. Until next time.