There is a lot of hate being expressed in the world today.
People are letting their opinions and emotions get the best of them and in turn
some pretty bad things happen. This past Saturday saw the occurrence one of the
worst anti-Semitic acts in US history, leaving 11 innocent souls dead at the
hands of a very hateful individual. With horrifying events like this happening
on what seems like a semi-regular basis nowadays, it’s easy to see that people are
becoming increasingly angry and divided from their fellow wo/man. However, it
is important to remember that we as humans are all in this thing called “life” together
and for anything to work we need to put aside our differences and come together.
There is not much that unites people more than music. In
fact, artists and cultures have been harnessing the power of music to bring
people together for common causes for hundreds of years. The last century in
particular has brought about some of the most poignant songs of unity and
togetherness that remain in the cultural lexicon today.
Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look
at songs with a message of unity. Here are seven that show that we are all
better off bridging our gaps and coming together for the common cause of
humanity.
1.
The Beatles, “All You Need Is Love”: Released
during the “summer of love,” “All You Need Is Love” was written with the simple
message that love is the most important emotion you can express. Having love
for one another is a universal ideal, one that everyone can understand. (video)
2.
The New Seekers, “I’d Like To Teach The World To
Sing”: Even when it was written as a jingle to sell Coca-cola (“I’d Like To Buy
The World A Coke”), “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” had a message of unity
in mind. The original commercial showed teenagers holding hands and enjoying
the beverage together as the song played, an image often copied to represent
unity. As a pop song, the sentiment of “teaching the world to sing / in perfect
harmony” spreads further. It would be nice if people were able to live in harmony
and peace with each other. (video)
3.
U2,
“One”: Inspired by the politics and culture of the late 80s and early 90s, U2’s
“One” has been used as a force for good. The line “We’re one, but we’re not the
same” adds complexity to the thought that though we must be a united people, we
must also remember our differences that make us who we are. And even though we are all different, we
still need to help each other overcome life’s hardships. (video)
4.
Sister
Sledge, “We Are Family”: Though not its original intention when released in
1979, “We Are Family” has taken gone on to become an anthem for unity. Family
looks out for family, and as long as you have your family alongside you, you
are much more powerful than you are alone. Such unity and togetherness is
something to celebrate. (video)
5.
Bob
Marley, “One Love”: Originally written in protest to oppression, “One Love’s”
cool island vibes asks of its listeners to come together as one in order to
stop such hate. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, as long
as we act as one people and have each other’s backs, there is a chance that we
can all “feel all right.” (video)
6.
Matisyahu,
“One Day”: In Judaism, there is a prayer for humanity to never know from war
ever again. Such is the point of Matisyahu’s 2008 single “One Day.” The song is
meant to inspire hope in people, that they may stay positive in the face of
adversity so that one day we will all be able to live without the fear of being
persecuted for who we are. Over the last few days this has been somewhat of an
anthem for the victims of Saturday’s shooting. (video)
7.
John
Lennon, “Imagine”: Released in 1971, “Imagine” begs people to imagine a world
where all that divides us does not exist. It is only when we are able to look
past our differences that we can truly be one people. (video)
Artists have been harnessing music’s power to bring people
together for many, many years. Songs about peace, love, understanding,
accepting others and showing compassion towards those who might not be like you
become lasting reminders that we are all people who should be treated equally.
At a time when our country and the world are more divided than ever, we can all
take a cue from these songs for a little bit of unity in our lives.
---
Find music more music to bring people together at Vinyl Bay
777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of
titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse
our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs,
memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at
vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time,
you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.
No comments:
Post a Comment