Chorus

A song dedicated to the chorus of cynics.



I’ve been falling asleep to this song every night this past weekend. Cheesy, I know.

There’s a point (1:49) in this song where John Legend sings “Yes, we can” and then immediately follows with an “oh” sung an octave higher. I’ve been trying to sing that part in private moments. Can I do it like John Legend? Yes, I can. Actually, no, I can’t. But I feel as though I do.

This song makes me think of GH’s graduation from UCLA’s art program. The graduation speaker was talking about why society needs artists. His main point was that artists are peacemakers. I agree.

Even in extreme cases, destructiveness in art seems to point to some understanding of man, ultimately, ourselves. So, in a sense, its goals, seems more about peace than nonsensensical or state-sponsored violence seen in America and around the world today. I think the speaker made the point about artists, being on the fringe, are usually the first group to speak out and challenge the status quo.

Anyway, I was thinking about campaign songs and how it’s amazing that the lyrics to this song were from Barack’s own words. Contrast this song to a Bush speech. A Bush speech in song would be a strong indictment against ivy league and private prep school education. And a strong indictment against generational wealth. I digress.

I know Barack’s a good writer and communicator. And I know he has speechwriters. But hearing Barack’s speech in song highlights his poetry. Barack the poet; Barack the peacemaker.

Herbie Hancock on the keys . . . classic material.

I’m yearning to feel inspired and the campaign for Obama is doing it for me right now.