A Song for These Times

A poor man's wages carry their feet
A dead soldier today in the sweltering heat
A dynasty in power two wars to their name
An election by decree ain't this new world a shame
Ain't this new world a shame

And I can't stop thinking that it doesn't have to be this way
It doesn't have to be this way

Vindictive leaks what's it all about
Racist commentators leaving no doubt
Oil powers the economy tax breaks for the Humvee
Ain't this new world a shame
Ain't this new world a shame

And I can't stop thinking that it doesn't have to be with way
It doesn't have to be this way

--Jay Farrar, Doesn't have to be this way, 2004
from the album Stone, Steel, & Bright Lights

Farrar was one of the founding members of Uncle Tupelo and has recorded several albums both as a solo artist and as the driving force behind Son Volt. He has also quietly contributed to numerous progressive causes and used his music as a vehicle for social commentary.

Now more than ever we need the efforts of musicians like Farrar, Steve Earle, and the other bands involved in the Vote for Change and several Anti-Bush compilations. Past events in England can serve as a lesson of the influence of music on culture.

During the 1980s while England suffered under the reign of "lady" Thatcher, a group of socially progressive musicians banded together to influence politics under the banner Red Wedge. While this group of activists were not successful in reshaping British politics their efforts did assist, at the time, a less oppressive regime in coming to power. We can debate the progressive credentials of Tony Blair and other labor party leaders but imagine if the Tories in the image of Thatcher had control.

The point is: music can help create the change that we so richly need.

Now, how do we get a double bill of Steve Earle and Jay Farrar or better yet maybe its time for a consistent progressive music wedge against the neocon agenda before its too late.