War is Never the Answer

When I was young, foolish and without a care in the world, my friends and I couldn't wait to leave school so we could put on some good music and dance around the lounge room with each other. Today, when I listen to many of those songs, the beat still makes me jump up and move my body around the room, even when I am alone. There is only one big difference between today and yesterday, I listen very carefully to the lyrics. Never, before did I ever think there was a message hidden in the many beautiful tunes. Often when listening to certain songs today I can feel the water running down my face, even when I am smiling thinking about the sweet memories.

When I read or listen to the news of all the hate in the world it reminds me that most of the population in world never agreed to war. In most countries, the declaration of war is the responsibility of the head of government or their designated authority, not the general populace. War has always been a way to put money into the pockets of elected officials and those that support their actions. Leaders consider factors like the balance of power, military strength, economic resources, and international relations when deciding to go to war. Often, leaders may use propaganda and control of media to shape public perception, induce fear, spread lies and fake information, create AI ads, and generate support for a conflict that benefits their own interests.

Some of the old songs that make me emotional, move my body to the cool beats, and remember so many good times with friends include:

• Get Here - Oleta Adams

• Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder

• Never Gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley

• That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick & Others

• The Two of Us - Nancy Wilson & Ramsey Lewis

• Sangue de Beirona - Cesaria Evora Remix

• Sweet Love - Anita Baker

• Got To Be Real - Cheryl Lynn

• Sumthin' Sumthin' - Maxwell

• After the Love Has Gone - Earth, Wind & Fire

• Rock Bottom - Babyface

• You'll Never Find Another Love - Lou Rawls

• The Way That You Love Me - Vanessa Williams

• This Will Be - Natalie Cole

• The Best of My Love - The Emotions

However, my favourite song will always be 'What's Going On' by Marvin Gaye'. Whenever I listen to the lyrics today, I am moved to stand up and make my voice heard, to get out and vote, and to support those who have no voice or may fear for their life. Listen to the song when you get a chance. Here are the incredible words to that song.

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 lovin' here today, yeah

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 lovin' here today

Picket lines and picket signs

Don't punish me with brutality

Talk to me

So you can see

Oh, what's going on (What's going on)

What's going on (What's going on)

What's going on (What's going on)

What's going on (What's going on)

Right on, baby

Right on, baby

Right on

Mother, mother

Everybody thinks we're wrong

Oh, but who are they to judge us

Simply 'cause our hair is long

Oh, you know we've got to find a way

To bring some understanding here today

Picket lines and picket signs

Don't punish me with brutality

Come on talk to me

So you can see

What's going on (What's going on)

Yeah, what's going on (What's going on)

Tell me what's going on (What's going on)

I'll tell you, what's going on (What's going on)

Right on, baby, right on

Right on, baby

Right on, baby, right on

What song reminds you of old friends and good times growing up?