It may be trite to say that history repeats itself. But unfortunately, our world leaders rarely seem to learn from their mistakes.When Marvin Gaye released his landmark album, What's Going On, in 1971, the United States was in the grip of turbulent times, as it is again today. Pollution, poverty, and the Vietnam War were all prevalent in the American consciousness. Gaye managed to address these issues of the time in a sonically lush collection of songs that were beautiful, sorrowful, and yet full of hope.
The songs from the album that attracted the most attention were the title track and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)." In the U.S., "What's Going On" charted at #2, and "Mercy Mercy Me" charted at #4. I brought the album in the car with me a few days ago and listened to both of these songs several times, soaking in the words. They are quite simple, but that simplicity does nothing to detract from the message. Indeed, if anything, the straightforward lyrics make Gaye's heart-felt pleas for social justice all the more powerful. Perhaps our leaders and those of other countries will finally listen. If only things were that easy...
"What's Going On"
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some loving here today
Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some loving here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
What's going on, what's going on
What's going on, what's going on
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
But who are they to judge us
Simply 'cos our hair is long
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some loving here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
What's going on, what's going on
Tell me what's going on
I'll tell you what's going on
"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)"
Whoa, mercy mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Where did all the blue skies go?
Poison is the wind that blows from the north and south and east
Whoa mercy, mercy me, mercy father
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Oil wasted on the ocean and upon our seas, fish full of mercury
Ah oh mercy, mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no
Radiation under ground and in the sky
Animals and birds who live nearby are dying
Oh mercy mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be
What about this overcrowded land
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Oh, na na...
My sweet Lord... No
My Lord... My sweet Lord
"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" live, 1972
Sources:
- Lyriki
- Lyrics Wiki
3 comments:
You know, the lovely wife and I were discussing the quality of music today compared to years past. And we decided that today's music doesn't come close to the quantity of quality music from the 60's and early 70's that address the number of issues that everyone was facing, issues that, as you said, we are repeating. War, enviroment, social justice, though this time around the social justice is more focused on gay rights, but minority rights is still an issue.
True, at least as to the extent that songs of this genre are popular. There's some socially conscious music out there now, but you just have to dig pretty deeply to find it.
I disagree with those who say music isn't what it used to be.
Anyway, I recently put those two songs in my ipod. The thing with music is that a good singer who can put his/her emotions into a s can make simple lyrics powerful.
I've always thought "one" by u2 had very simple lyrics but it has brought tears to my eyes before.
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