Soulful Saturday - Songs of Protest

This weekend the city of Selma, Alabama is getting a ton of visitors who want to observe the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement coming into that town and giving outsiders with a peek into what can only be seen as the underbelly of race relations in modern America. The 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday (in America, not to be confused with the 1972 incident in Ireland) also known as the Selma to Montgomery march.

So for today, I thought that a small catalog of protest songs would be appropriate. For many years people have used music to speak on the happenings of the day-- good and bad. I mean, there are songs about love, heart break, loss, joy, pain, slavery, racism, sex... everything. Way back in the golden, olden days I did a paper in college on the Civil Rights Movement, where people used whatever platform they had to voice their concerns over what was happening in America. Music was definitely one of those avenues. The music made during that time is heart stopping. It should make you do some soul searching. It should inspire you to make the world a better place before you leave this Earth.

The list of protest songs is long and there are many renditions to fall in love with. Here are a few of my favorites.

Nina Simone - Strange Fruit

Well, well, well. Since this Thursday's Scandal episode, many people clearly did not know who Nina Simone was... and I feel bad for them. This week her "I Shall Be Released" was featured on Scandal and I have seen the video pop up several times in my FaceBook feed. But even before Thursday, Nina was categorized as a musical genius. Check her out:



Turn, Turn, Turn - The Byrds

Pretty sure that my parents got tired of hearing the Byrds, the Turtles, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix streaming from my bedroom when I was in high school (I went through a serious 60s stage). Protest songs from mop headed boys? Loved it. A song that includes lines from the Bible to protest inequalities? Love it more. My favorite line: "A time for love, a time for hate. A time for peace, I swear its not too late."



Masters of War - Eddie Vedder

This is a Bob Dylan song, but we all know that I love Eddie. Long time love. War home and abroad, this song covers it all. Eddie - soft blue eyes, baritone voice and a guitar. Who can not love this guy?!? This was shot during his shorter hair phase. I like it longer, but the music is undeniably wonderful. My favorite line: "I think you will find, when your death takes it's toll, all the money you make will not buy back your soul!"



What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

A song that everyone knows AND fits as a protest song in every decade. Its smooth delivery makes it a little different, but a protest song nonetheless. What he was singing about in the 70s and 80s had happened in the 40s, 50s, 60 and still happens today. This and Inner City Blues should let YOU know that Marvin was in the know. Favorite line: "You know we've got to find a way to bring some loving here today..."




Glory - Common, John Legend

The modern day protest song. The movie was ok- the soundtrack was beautiful. John Legend is still super short (and can sing). Common is still fine. SUPA fine!! Favorite line: "Every day women and men become legends." In other words, YOU are able to bring forth change... and you should. Be legendary, my friends.

There comes a time in every young woman's life... blah, blah, blah. Things are changing. The look of the blog is going to change and soon, the place where I sit when I type out my thoughts will change too. Where am I going? That is still up in the air. I love Chicago and will do whatever I can to stay here for as long as possible. I have built my own lovely life here; filled with friends and laughter. I love this city. I embrace almost all that it has to offer, but when the laughter starts to turn into tears priorities need to be reexamined, pros and cons need to be weighed. That is what I am in the process of doing.

I find it oddly comforting that I am not alone in this situation. Lots of young people are leaving familiar cities for foreign skylines for a brand new start. I must admit that any skyline I see at the end of this process will not be foreign to me. Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago- all familiar stomping grounds. All on the short list of cities to begin a new stage in my life. The city with the most lucrative job offer will win out. I will keep everyone updated and in the meantime I will be up to my same old shenanigans (blogging and what not). Exciting, right? For your listening pleasure- Eddie Vedder singing a classic. "You better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changing." and... GO! :)

I am a Patriot

What a glorious day for America to have a birthday!! It is beautiful outside here in Chicago. Just like my relationship with the great city of Chicago, my thoughts on the United States of America are very love-dislike. I will always point out the things I dislike about America... because as an American, I have the right to do so. I will always point out what needs improvement, what is wonderful and what needs to go away- because I can. My ancestors died for the rights that I have. For their ultimate sacrifice I get to have an education; I get to vote and I get to voice my opinion- as loud as I want! Amazing, huh? :)

Funny thing is: as much as I complain about Chicago- I choose to live here and I love it. As much as I complain about close minded Americans- I love them. I love what my country represents; I love the freedoms that I have and I love that I can visit countries all over the world (I have been to a few) and get to come back to the best place on Earth- the United States of America.

So, to celebrate here is a video of Eddie Vedder singing "I am a Patriot" Now, this song has been covered by Jackson Browne and countless others (including different versions by Eddie). But, in my humble opinion this one is the BEST! :) Enjoy and God Bless the United States of America!

Key Lyrics:

* What I believe with my soul ain't what I see with my eyes, and there is no turning back this time.

* I am a patriot and I love my country. Because my country is all I know.

* I want to run like the lions, released from the cages; released from the rage that is burning my soul tonight.

* I only know one party- that is FREEDOM.

Soulful Saturday- Pearl Jam- Just Breathe

Wow. My love for Pearl Jam is well known. Since my first show in 2000, I have seen them 7(!) times (totally worth every show). My love for Eddie Vedder is an ever burning flame. Please do not try to convince me that he is not beautiful. Greater men have tried... all have failed!! :) Long hair, short hair, soul patch or beard, skinny or chubby cheeked- I love him. Those blue eyes have pierced my musical heart and I am his forever. That lovely, deep voice has lulled me to sleep many a night, and the lyrics that he writes move me to want to change the person that I am. I love that he isn't the typical superstar. I am not the typical Pearl Jam fan- it fits! :)

My future husband, whoever he is, WILL know this song. :)

Key Lyrics:

*Stay with me, oh let's just breathe...

*Practiced are my sins, never gonna let me win. Under everything, just another human being.

*Stay with me, you're all I see.

*Did I say that I need you? Did I say that I want you? If I didn't I'm a fool you see... no one knows this more than me, as I come clean...