Livin' in a New World

Warning this song contains language and ideas that may offend you.

I won't pretend to know what it's like to be worried about the police profiling me. Tho, I did get stopped and searched at the Canadian border once. Anyhoo, I have been really perplexed about the state of racial relations in this country. Part of me doesn't believe it's as bad as others make it out to be, but another part of me sees it. The separation of cultures is not a bad thing. I think what kills us is the separation of people. I think one of the best ways to understand other people is through art. Rapper Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) tells a graphic story of being under constant surveillance, and when I listen to The Roots, I feel like I understand him.

remember what was yours is everyone's from now on

Michael Jackson's memorial was held today, but instead of reflecting upon Jackson's life and work, Wilco's twangy-country "What Light" lyrics are on my mind.

If it's true that our creativity, once expressed, becomes public property, then Mr. Jackson has made a tremendous contribution to all who have heard his music. Go ahead. Express yourself and let that inner freak shine. We'll love you for it when you die.



If you feel like singing a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Don't let anyone say it's wrong

And if you're trying to paint a picture
But you're not sure which colors belong
Just paint what you see
Don't let anyone say it's wrong

And if you're strung out like a kite
Or stung awake in the night
It's alright to be frightened
When there's a light (what light)
There's a light (one light)
There's a light (white light)
Inside of you

...

And if the whole world's singing your songs
And all of your paintings have been hung
Just remember what was yours is everyone's from now on

And that's not wrong or right
But you can struggle with it all you like
You'll only get uptight
Because there's a light (what light)
...
Inside of you