Over the past few years, I have enjoyed watching videos by a collective of musicians that form Playing For Change which aims to bring about transformation one note at a time. A roving film crew travels the world over and records various musicians and performers waxing musical and lyrical and weaving their unique style into an exquisite tapestry. Last night, I happened to catch this one, on MyPeace.TV, filled with talented young musicians. The title of the song “Love Is All”, written by Roger Glover (bassist of the groups Deep Purple and Government Mule) was reminiscent of the Beatles’ classic, with the same foot tapping, high energy pop sound. It began with a young man tickling the keys of a zebra striped piano and ended with bubbling over enthusiasm of the ‘tweens’ and teens that seemed to be in the 10-13 year old range. They hailed from places around the world such as Uganda: a multi-person children’s choir whose beatific smiles and choreographed swaying to the music beckoned doing the same. One earphone wearing girl sang on a boardwalk while passersby seemed not to notice the magic that was occurring before them. I know I would have stopped to soak it in. Another from India played a stringed instrument that appeared to be bigger than she was. Four part harmony eminated from France, drums from L.A, another hand clapping choir from India.
What was evident was how much fun these kids were having. It’s so easy to feel despondent when what we hear in the news is gloom and doom and so easy to have hope for the future when witnessing the power of song, unity and contagious joy. It is especially reassuring that this part of the next generation has a handle on what is important; the One in the many and the many in the One. Soaking in the sonic sunshine and singing along reinforces the ultimate truth that love is indeed ALL.
Love Is All
Everybody’s got to live together
All the people got to understand
So, love your neighbour
Like you love your brother
Come on and join the band
Well, all you need is love and understanding
Ring the bell and let the people know
We’re so happy and we’re celebrating
Come on and let your feelings show
Love is all, well love is all
Love is all, can’t you hear the call
Oh, love is all you need
Love is all you need at the Butterfly Ball
Ain’t you happy that we’re all together
At the ball in nature’s countryside
And although we’re wearing different faces
Nobody wants to hide
Love is all and love is all and
It’s easy, yes it’s so easy
At the Butterfly Ball where love is all
And It’s so easy
All you need is love and understanding
Ring the bell and let the people know
We’re so happy and we’re celebrating
Let your feelings show
Love is all, yes love is all at the Butterfly Ball
Love is big, love is small
Love is free, love is all
At the Butterfly Ball
When your back’s to the wall
When you’re starting to fall
You got something to lean on
Love is everything
It can make you sing at the Butterfly Ball
Love is all, I say love is all, yes love is all
At the Butterfly Ball
Roger Glover, 1974
http://bit.ly/187Jhw4 Love Is All by Playing For Change
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