Great music
does not move the villagers,
but if they hear
“The Breaking of the Willow”
or “Bright Flowers” they will
be rollicking with laughter.

Noble words do not stay
in the minds of the multitude,
and consummate words are
not comprehended because
common words proliferate.

Two clay instruments will overpower
the sound of a bell and diminish
the pleasure it can give.

At the present moment the whole world
is under delusion.
Even though I desire it to go
in a certain direction,
how can I prevail?

Knowing this, if I sought
to force my way,
it would be yet another delusion.
Thus, it is better to let go and not persist further.

      But if I do not persist, with whom will I despair?

Zhuangzi, by Zhuang Zhou trans. by Hyun Hochsmann and Yang Guorong, Heaven and Earth

Music is the most powerful gateway to the emotions that we know of. From ancient times ritual has been accompanied by music. The back beat note of the drum which anchors a melody and a lyric is impossible to resist. Our tribal species is social, we are music-making mammals.

The Christmas season is especially dedicated to the enjoyment of music. Christmas carols are familiar to many. Earlier in the afternoon I was present at a community carol singing at a brewry in the area. The room was filled, many families were present. Good-will was in the air. I observed individuals that entered as strangers, speaking to others and beginning to get acquainted.

There’s also plenty of throw-a-way music available. I refer to catchy jingles intended to provoke making a purchase. Automobile companies, pharmaceutical companies, etc., etc., contract with ad agencies to compose the jingles, and sometimes even a group of singing dancers. Never mind that the product often has nothing to do with the entertainment.

Today I was surprised to hear our granddaughter skipping through the room singing the State Farm ad jingle. I am sure you know it too. “Like a good neighbor State Farm is always there”.

It’s not a secret that our world currently is confronted by crisis on multiple fronts. We are in dire need to hear a truthful lyric, carried to us by compelling melody. I have in mind something akin to “Do You Hear The People Sing” as featured in the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.

Help wanted! We need an anthem of resistance, a battle hymn.

Well, here is a tune that features lyrical truth, sharp as a serrated edged steel blade. Road to Road To Hell PT2 by Chris Rea.