By TatankaYotanka
So at last you’ve arrived at the positive terminal and I’m there to meet you. You are very grounded, but there’s still a spark between us, I notice. You spent a long time on that bus, didn’t you? Let’s walk together down an English lane, and I’ll play a few tunes until our hearts have learned to sing again, maybe even pick a few lilacs if the time is right.
Better already? We talk about taking public transport back into collective ownership but apparently you hear the voice of reason telling you this can't never be done, no matter how hard reality seems, just hold on to your dreams and stay optimistic I say, because everything goes when you're dead, everything empties from what was in your head, no point in waiting, today it’s gonna happen!
I remind you that the people have the power to redeem the work of fools, upon the meek the graces shower, it's decreed; let’s sort out the traffic light phasing and that awful one way system while we are at it.
We stop for a bite to eat, this is not my ego soup you say, Brother D and The Collective agree and bring something more substantial for you. I sat down and thought, we gotta rap for the people, tell ‘em where it’s at and I guess I planted a little hope in your heart. You told me the new mayor had reinstated a collective wage bargaining system across the privatised bus sector, about time too. Union battled, all added up won us all what we got now.
The conversation had definitely got a bit political, think of those who fought for your rights, you said. The path you walked, they paved, to those who had the courage to defy the mighty ranks we’ll send gratitude & thanks we agreed. We’ll put the heart back in it and stay strong! Rome was not built in a day, opposition will come your way but the hotter the battle you see is the sweeter the victory now. You can get it if you really want, we concluded.
But be careful out there, I said. Persecution you must fear, win or lose you're about to get your share, got your mind set on a dream. You can get it though hard as it may seem now. You look out of the window and say wasn’t that Georgia Anne Muldrow? She used to roam wild on the one way street but she’s very sorted now.
When the engine's fine but the tyres are bare, there’s an increased danger of a road traffic incident you observe as a number 13 passes. At least they’ve all got 2 sets of doors now I say, that's how the love gets in, providing it’s got a contactless payment card of course.
Back at the terminal we seek travel information, it’s a tad cryptic. Where did you come from? Where are you going? Get the news from your body! If you find a true guru, you’ll get the secret, a window within will open. Seems like a long wait for your bus home but you ask for a single and sit it out as you know it’s pretty much impossible to get a Kabir.
I wave you off, I’ve had a great time but I don’t want it to end, so don’t stop me now I mutter under my breath. Tonight I’m gonna have myself a real good time – listening to a load of great music.
Adventurous Optimism A-list playlist:
We'll gather Lilacs – Anne Ziegler and Webster Booth
Optimistic – Sounds of Blackness
It’s Going to Happen – The Undertones
People Have The Power – Patti Smith
How We Gonna Make the Black Nation Rise? – Brother D with Collective Effort
I Guess I Planted – Billy Bragg & Wilco
Gratitude and Thanks – Mischief Brew
Strong – Herbert
You Can Get It If You Really Want – Jimmy Cliff
Great Blacks – Georgia Anne Muldrow
How The Love Gets In – Thea Gilmore
Kahaan Se Aayi, Kahaan Jaaoge – Prahlad Tipanya
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Make the best of it B-list:
Positive Vibration – Bob Marley & The Wailers
One Nation Under A Groove – Funkadelic
Keep On The Sunny Side – The Whites
Be Thankful For What You Got - William DeVaughn
Live Good Today – Prince Jazzbo
I’m Into Somethin’ Good – Earl-Jean McCrea
The Shouting End of Life – Oysterband
The Best Things in Life – The Gladiators
Something Good – Utah Saints
Joy to The World – Three Dog Night
Keep On Keepin’ On – Redskins
Hello World – Belle Perez
Sure Had A Wonderful Time – Louis Jordan
Guru’s Wildcard Picks:
1) Anthem:
One Guitar – Willie Nile w. James Maddock
2) A cappella:
A Better Time - Peter Hammill
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations from last week's topic: Definitely needed for 2017: positive songs. The next topic will launch on Thursday at 1pm UK time.
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Fancy a turn behind the pumps at The Song Bar? Care to choose a playlist from songs nominated and write something about it? Then feel free to contact The Song Bar here, or try the usual email address.