Spearhead — Yell Fire!
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Length: 4:42
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A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm, we come to wake up the snoring
They tellin' you to never worry about the future
They tellin' you to never worry about the torture
They tellin you that you'll never see the horror
Spend it all today and we will bill you tomorrow
Three piece suits and bank accounts in Bahamas
Wall street crime will never send you to the slammer
Tell all the children in the arms of their mommas
The f-15 is a homicide bomber
TV commercials for a popping pill culture
Drug companies circling like a vulture
An Iraqi babies with a G.I. Joe father
Ten years from now is anybody gonna bother
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution
Everyone addicted to the same nicotine
Everyone addicted to the same gasoline
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream
Everybody trying to get their hands on same green
From the banks of the river to the banks of the greedy
All of the riches taken back by needy
We come from the country and we come from the city
You play us on the record, you can play us on the cd
All the shit you given us is fertilizer
The seeds that we planted you can brutalize them
Tell the corporation you can never globalize you
Like peter tosh said "legalize it"
Girls and boys hear the bass and treble
Rumble in the speakers and it make you wanna rebel
Throw your hands up, take it to another level
And you can never, ever, ever make a deal with the devil
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Throw your hands up
Put em up, put em up
Throw your hands up
Put em up, put em up
Throw your hands up
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution never come with a warning
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Throw your hands up
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm, we come to wake up the snoring
Fire, yo, yo, yo, fire
Here we come here we come
A revolution here it come
Put em up, put em up
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm, we come to wake up the snoring
They tellin' you to never worry about the future
They tellin' you to never worry about the torture
They tellin you that you'll never see the horror
Spend it all today and we will bill you tomorrow
Three piece suits and bank accounts in Bahamas
Wall street crime will never send you to the slammer
Tell all the children in the arms of their mommas
The f-15 is a homicide bomber
TV commercials for a popping pill culture
Drug companies circling like a vulture
An Iraqi babies with a G.I. Joe father
Ten years from now is anybody gonna bother
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution
Everyone addicted to the same nicotine
Everyone addicted to the same gasoline
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream
Everybody trying to get their hands on same green
From the banks of the river to the banks of the greedy
All of the riches taken back by needy
We come from the country and we come from the city
You play us on the record, you can play us on the cd
All the shit you given us is fertilizer
The seeds that we planted you can brutalize them
Tell the corporation you can never globalize you
Like peter tosh said "legalize it"
Girls and boys hear the bass and treble
Rumble in the speakers and it make you wanna rebel
Throw your hands up, take it to another level
And you can never, ever, ever make a deal with the devil
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Throw your hands up
Put em up, put em up
Throw your hands up
Put em up, put em up
Throw your hands up
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution never come with a warning
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Here we come, here we come
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Revolution a comin'
Fire, yo, yo, yo, yo
Put em up, put em up
Yell fire, yo, yo, yo
Throw your hands up
A revolution never come with a warning
A revolution never sends you an omen
A revolution just arrived like the morning
Ring the alarm, we come to wake up the snoring
Fire, yo, yo, yo, fire
Here we come here we come
A revolution here it come
Put em up, put em up
Comments (654)add comment
With our Democracy hanging in the balance, Biden's debate and SCOTUS deciding immunity, Two hot wars ... this tune is perfect.
Akazungu wrote:
Agreed. A revolution never come with a warning.
Solid 10 for music, message and delivery.
Agreed. A revolution never come with a warning.
Eh. Screw politics. I like the way the guitar parts bounce back and forth between the right and left track.
from the concept (and even the "fire" in the refrain!) brings up associations to Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire" from back in the day...
Those that scream the loudest for a revolution are often the most surprised when it comes knocking at their door, too.
Historys_Fools wrote:
I could be wrong but I don't think the establishment of plutocracy was quite the revolution he had in mind.
You think that only happened 5 years ago?
I could be wrong but I don't think the establishment of plutocracy was quite the revolution he had in mind.
You think that only happened 5 years ago?
Spearhead / Michael Franti is an amazing talent....
I personally hope the revolution will be televised!
Timely.
Solid 10 for music, message and delivery.
westslope wrote:
Damn straight, Westslope....hope you're ok while the revolution is brewing AS I TYPE
+1 to 8 for the message on this one, LLRP!!
Actually bona fide revolutions always come with warnings. They are bloody, violent, chaotic affairs. Lots of innocents die.
That said, I quite like this song.
That said, I quite like this song.
Damn straight, Westslope....hope you're ok while the revolution is brewing AS I TYPE
+1 to 8 for the message on this one, LLRP!!
bitbanger wrote:
Sorry, dude, but more often than not the most people *will respond to* ARE poli-marketing slogans. MAGA, for instance, is a versatile acronym that includes (deludes?) all the folks that accept it as sincere, patriotic, affirmative, and thus is not cynically crafted. They voted nice and loudly. But how's that working out currently for the majority who wear that hat or wave the rally poster? How about Mission Accomplished? Welfare queens? Fake news? Some rather effective poli-marketing bits there, though all of these and many others describe or refer to a negative situation.
There must be 10,000 "poli-marketing" slogans. (Is that any relation to Poly-Dent? Just askin'.) Please feel free to list initiatives from poli-marketers who had truly great, non-rhetorical, all-natural, evolutionary, anti-status quo, and consciousness-raising slogans that have stood the test of time.
Contrary to you, I frankly find this song to be rather rigorous and sardonic in its sloganeering. More tracks about social justice and political reality, please, Bill. Most of us like them even if bitbanger doesn't or didn't appreciate the deal.
Sorry dude. This thing is just a string of poli-marketing slogans. Not really hearing ideas here.
Cueburned wrote:
...because words and ideas you don't like are always wrong.
Cueburned wrote:
...because words and ideas you don't like are always wrong.
Sorry, dude, but more often than not the most people *will respond to* ARE poli-marketing slogans. MAGA, for instance, is a versatile acronym that includes (deludes?) all the folks that accept it as sincere, patriotic, affirmative, and thus is not cynically crafted. They voted nice and loudly. But how's that working out currently for the majority who wear that hat or wave the rally poster? How about Mission Accomplished? Welfare queens? Fake news? Some rather effective poli-marketing bits there, though all of these and many others describe or refer to a negative situation.
There must be 10,000 "poli-marketing" slogans. (Is that any relation to Poly-Dent? Just askin'.) Please feel free to list initiatives from poli-marketers who had truly great, non-rhetorical, all-natural, evolutionary, anti-status quo, and consciousness-raising slogans that have stood the test of time.
Contrary to you, I frankly find this song to be rather rigorous and sardonic in its sloganeering. More tracks about social justice and political reality, please, Bill. Most of us like them even if bitbanger doesn't or didn't appreciate the deal.
Everyone addicted to the same nicotine
Everyone addicted to the same gasoline
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream
Everybody trying to get their hands on same green
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream ?
That would be nope
Everyone addicted to a technicolor screen
Everyone trying to get their hands on the same green
Everyone addicted to the same gasoline
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream
Everybody trying to get their hands on same green
Everyone addicted to a technicolor scream ?
That would be nope
Everyone addicted to a technicolor screen
Everyone trying to get their hands on the same green
Too close to rap for my taste. 1.
I think it's probably Amer Iraqi babies with a G.I. Joe Father
Actually bona fide revolutions always come with warnings. They are bloody, violent, chaotic affairs. Lots of innocents die.
That said, I quite like this song.
That said, I quite like this song.
She was warned, yet she persisted. #resist
Resist!
GTT wrote:
I could be wrong but I don't think the establishment of plutocracy was quite the revolution he had in mind.
"Revolution never come with a warning." I think that just happened.
I could be wrong but I don't think the establishment of plutocracy was quite the revolution he had in mind.
bitbanger wrote:
...because words and ideas you don't like are always wrong.
This song is a fine example of virtue signaling.
Sorry dude. This thing is just a string of poli-marketing slogans. Not really hearing ideas here.
Cueburned wrote:
...because words and ideas you don't like are always wrong.
This song is a fine example of virtue signaling.
lyrics are about on the same level as rage against the machine, but at least rage against the machine has some energy.
"Revolution never come with a warning." I think that just happened.
SquiddlyDiddly wrote:
Problem is, the real revolutionaries were those kids at the Trump Rally
Well timed Bill, well timed. . .
Problem is, the real revolutionaries were those kids at the Trump Rally
Well timed Bill, well timed. . .
Vanilla Ice has dreadlocks now?
Sorry dude. This thing is just a string of poli-marketing slogans. Not really hearing ideas here.
Cueburned wrote:
...because words and ideas you don't like are always wrong.
Catchy jingle and you can dance to it. Good tune for selling confirmation bias, yesiree.
Nice! Great to hear this kind of music on Radio Paradise, helps me to get work done.
moodfood wrote:
Think of when this came out, 2006, during Bush and the Mid-East wars. Yeah, I know more than a few people that are pretty angry about that.
that one angry dude with axe to grind.. 
Think of when this came out, 2006, during Bush and the Mid-East wars. Yeah, I know more than a few people that are pretty angry about that.
that one angry dude with axe to grind..
maxjboxer wrote:
If so, Obama is a member of the Klan. How's that Hopey Changey thing working out?
Quoting Sarah Palin is probably not the best way to make your point. But to answer your question, quite well actually.
If so, Obama is a member of the Klan. How's that Hopey Changey thing working out?
Quoting Sarah Palin is probably not the best way to make your point. But to answer your question, quite well actually.
oldfart48 wrote:
and now we have Trump....the biggest fear and war monger ever.
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
Hmm, for me it is a bit redundant and boring. Although I have this cd, I've enjoyed a lot of his other stuff more.
Might have to bump this to a Ten! Hits the Spot!
Not bad at all. Thanx, Bill!
- "Fire! Fire!"
- "Shut up, Beavis!"
- "Shut up, Beavis!"
He is as close to a prophet as you will get in this world. Much Love and Respect to Mr. Franti...
oldfart48 wrote:
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
If so, Obama is a member of the Klan. How's that Hopey Changey thing working out?
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
If so, Obama is a member of the Klan. How's that Hopey Changey thing working out?
Yo, yo, yo!
Just the burst of energy I needed on this gloomy morning
YELL FIRE !!
take it to another level
take it to another level
Michael Franti's forte is his live performances. His studio albums are pretty good, but his live performance are one of the most uplifting experiences imaginable. He is a gift to humanity.
As if you could disassociate Franti's lyrics from his music. Ridiculous. They BOTH swing.
marty88210 wrote:
marty88210 wrote:
Music swings. Lyrics are a bunch of crap!
If Fred durst did reggae......
man o man he makes me move.......
Music swings. Lyrics are a bunch of crap!
oldfart48 wrote:
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
I think they also lead to before this, as the stage was already set.
Don't forget, the USA has only been a superpower effectively within living memory - Post WWII - so, from the 50's onward.
Less than 70 years.
Britain was effectively a super power for over a century, but the empire itself lasted two centuries.
The Roman Empire endured for 500 years.
So, yeah, the USA may be the dominant force now, but it's got some time to go before matching other historical super powers.
The rise of China is the one to watch - it will soon surpass the USA.
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
I think they also lead to before this, as the stage was already set.
Don't forget, the USA has only been a superpower effectively within living memory - Post WWII - so, from the 50's onward.
Less than 70 years.
Britain was effectively a super power for over a century, but the empire itself lasted two centuries.
The Roman Empire endured for 500 years.
So, yeah, the USA may be the dominant force now, but it's got some time to go before matching other historical super powers.
The rise of China is the one to watch - it will soon surpass the USA.
rocking out to this as I clear up my desk after along day. Yo, yo, yo!
fitzworld wrote:
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
The lyrics couldn't be more brutally honest about both American foreign policy and our way of life. What's wrong with we Americans that makes us so arrogant and misguided? Is everything about greed now? Does everything have to have a profit motive?
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
all the dots lead to the G.H.W.Bush Klan
(smirks, then heaves a flaming bottle of gasoline into the conversation ...)
I've learned one thing from living in Boston: Americans hold our 'Founding Fathers' in a state of reverence, when they actually preached and practiced armed revolution against the lawful government of the day.
The only difference between freedom fighters and murderous insurrectionists ... is your perspective.
Perhaps the ONLY "Hey Macarena" ripoff I've ever heard on RP. Yell Fire! remains one of my LEAST favorite tunes played regularly on RP. 
Despite all of his "rage"...Franti's still just a rat in a cage. Hey, I've heard that somewhere before. Maybe Franti can write a protest song based on that tune?
LOL.
Despite all of his "rage"...Franti's still just a rat in a cage. Hey, I've heard that somewhere before. Maybe Franti can write a protest song based on that tune?
LOL. Horrible noise.
westslope wrote:
That's a loose challenge, as "neo-Marxist" and "performed well" are very slippery concepts. I'm no Marxist in terms of prescription (though I think Marxist analysis is a useful tool), but in response Venezuela and Bolivia come immediately to mind, although arguably they are more Bolivarian than Marxist regimes.
Che Guevera was not a mass murderer. But he did believe in 'killing and taking'. And the regimes that he has inspired have performed extremely poorly over the decades.
I defy anyone here to suggest a regime guided by Neo-Marxist principles that has performed well from the perspective of ordinary working people and poor people.
That's a loose challenge, as "neo-Marxist" and "performed well" are very slippery concepts. I'm no Marxist in terms of prescription (though I think Marxist analysis is a useful tool), but in response Venezuela and Bolivia come immediately to mind, although arguably they are more Bolivarian than Marxist regimes.
I am advocating a new political philosophy, it is called extreme moderatism. I am sick of all these wackos. 
Che Guevera was not a mass murderer. But he did believe in 'killing and taking'. And the regimes that he has inspired have performed extremely poorly over the decades.
I defy anyone here to suggest a regime guided by Neo-Marxist principles that has performed well from the perspective of ordinary working people and poor people.
This was one of the most energetic (and aromatic) shows I've been to.
I like it! I like it very much! Made me dance!
jpfueler wrote:
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
Useful idiot say what?
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
Useful idiot say what?
This is the epitome of speaking truth to power...but is anyone paying attention?
Poacher wrote:
And rightly so. I for one, think he should be played more often along with others raising important issues. What happened to protest songs? What happened to critical thinking? What happened to my beautiful world?
Preach it Poacher.
And rightly so. I for one, think he should be played more often along with others raising important issues. What happened to protest songs? What happened to critical thinking? What happened to my beautiful world?
Preach it Poacher.
kingart wrote:
Che was not a mass murderer. Misguided dupe, lethal idealist, vicious flunky, shot some folks. Mass murderer? Who wrote the types of history books it sounds like you read, besides Glenn Beck and Rick Perry and Joseph Goebbels?
Want to see mass murderers? Besides the usual Pol Pot-Hitler-Stalin portraits, perhaps you should gaze at posters of the nasty knuckleheads who insisted on sending our people to Iraq. It was that type of ruthless imperial behavior that Che (and Dennis Kucinich, and Desmond Tutu, and Oliver Stone, and Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Morello, and, oh, many millions of others) fervently insisted was a very bad idea. If nothing else, Che was right. Shock and awe, my ass, more like shame and horror.
Che was definitely a mass murderer; the victims in Cuba, beside Batista people, were intellectuals, liberals, social democrats, homosexuals, etc. It is not surprising though since the ideology Che adhered to is an totalitarian ideology. Your ignorance is quite common though so i am not surprised by your statement; I recommend reading the The Black Book of Communism as an introduction to the atrocities perpetrated by this inhuman ideology. What is most appalling with Che is that he himself willingly executed many political prisoners in La Cabaña.
Che was not a mass murderer. Misguided dupe, lethal idealist, vicious flunky, shot some folks. Mass murderer? Who wrote the types of history books it sounds like you read, besides Glenn Beck and Rick Perry and Joseph Goebbels?
Want to see mass murderers? Besides the usual Pol Pot-Hitler-Stalin portraits, perhaps you should gaze at posters of the nasty knuckleheads who insisted on sending our people to Iraq. It was that type of ruthless imperial behavior that Che (and Dennis Kucinich, and Desmond Tutu, and Oliver Stone, and Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Morello, and, oh, many millions of others) fervently insisted was a very bad idea. If nothing else, Che was right. Shock and awe, my ass, more like shame and horror.
Che was definitely a mass murderer; the victims in Cuba, beside Batista people, were intellectuals, liberals, social democrats, homosexuals, etc. It is not surprising though since the ideology Che adhered to is an totalitarian ideology. Your ignorance is quite common though so i am not surprised by your statement; I recommend reading the The Black Book of Communism as an introduction to the atrocities perpetrated by this inhuman ideology. What is most appalling with Che is that he himself willingly executed many political prisoners in La Cabaña.
Isabeau wrote:
And rightly so. I for one, think he should be played more often along with others raising important issues. What happened to protest songs? What happened to critical thinking? What happened to my beautiful world?
Michael gets Angry!
And rightly so. I for one, think he should be played more often along with others raising important issues. What happened to protest songs? What happened to critical thinking? What happened to my beautiful world?
Michael gets Angry!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
MTachyon wrote:
Uhh, I'm 180 on that. This tune adds to the gold standards of the protest song.
He's like a mass murdering Che Guevara wanna-be...
What the f*** does that even mean?
Che was not a mass murderer. Misguided dupe, lethal idealist, vicious flunky, shot some folks. Mass murderer? Who wrote the types of history books it sounds like you read, besides Glenn Beck and Rick Perry and Joseph Goebbels?
Want to see mass murderers? Besides the usual Pol Pot-Hitler-Stalin portraits, perhaps you should gaze at posters of the nasty knuckleheads who insisted on sending our people to Iraq. It was that type of ruthless imperial behavior that Che (and Dennis Kucinich, and Desmond Tutu, and Oliver Stone, and Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Morello, and, oh, many millions of others) fervently insisted was a very bad idea. If nothing else, Che was right. Shock and awe, my ass, more like shame and horror.
Three piece suits with bank accounts in Bahamas
Wall Street crime will never send you to the slammer
Tell all the children in the arms of their mamas
the F15 is a homicidal bomber.
That sounds at least half right to me.
Sorry, Michael Franti has a much better idea of that than apparently you possess.
Catchy tune, but this commy castro like dude creaps me out. He's like a mass murdering Che Guevara wanna-be. 
Uhh, I'm 180 on that. This tune adds to the gold standards of the protest song.
He's like a mass murdering Che Guevara wanna-be...
What the f*** does that even mean?
Che was not a mass murderer. Misguided dupe, lethal idealist, vicious flunky, shot some folks. Mass murderer? Who wrote the types of history books it sounds like you read, besides Glenn Beck and Rick Perry and Joseph Goebbels?
Want to see mass murderers? Besides the usual Pol Pot-Hitler-Stalin portraits, perhaps you should gaze at posters of the nasty knuckleheads who insisted on sending our people to Iraq. It was that type of ruthless imperial behavior that Che (and Dennis Kucinich, and Desmond Tutu, and Oliver Stone, and Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Morello, and, oh, many millions of others) fervently insisted was a very bad idea. If nothing else, Che was right. Shock and awe, my ass, more like shame and horror.
Three piece suits with bank accounts in Bahamas
Wall Street crime will never send you to the slammer
Tell all the children in the arms of their mamas
the F15 is a homicidal bomber.
That sounds at least half right to me.
Sorry, Michael Franti has a much better idea of that than apparently you possess.
justin_cook wrote:
forgive me for being slow. what's a "useful idiot"?
people who can't use google. Like you.
forgive me for being slow. what's a "useful idiot"?
people who can't use google. Like you.
Catchy tune, but this commy castro like dude creaps me out. He's like a mass murdering Che Guevara wanna-be.
jpfueler wrote:
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
forgive me for being slow. what's a "useful idiot"?
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
forgive me for being slow. what's a "useful idiot"?
jpfueler wrote:
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
Yeah, but he's right, revolution never comes with a warning.
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
Yeah, but he's right, revolution never comes with a warning.
hanssachs wrote:
Get crazy with the cheese wiz.
Heeey, Macarena!
Get crazy with the cheese wiz.
hanssachs wrote:
Heeey, Macarena!
jimys wrote:
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
Apparently those of you who believe this is rap aren't listening to what Michael Franti is saying. This message is super important for the times we live in regardless of how he chooses to set his words to music. To have such blind preconceived ideas about how the message is delivered is just as bad as ignoring it.
ain't the delivery. it's the false message from a useful idiot
I think he is the only instant mute on Bill's playlist. Dislike this whiny s.o.b. so much I won't even rate the song.
Heeey, Macarena!
Yes our education system is broken but funding levels are not the problem. No other country in the world spends as much per student as the US.
Franti is a yawn IMHO: catchy tune over a string of vacuous platitudes. Just another would be tyrant that thinks somehow his interests represents scientific truth. We saw a lot of that in the last century and yet we still haven’t learned our lesson apparently.
sajitjacob wrote:
"As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere"
Wha!?
Umm, Europe, Australia, NZ, Japan etc etc. No catching up required. The above statement underlines what you would arrogance, but it's really only ignorance, which is perfectly curable. Americans can be misguided but only in the sense that the corporate/political world misdirects the populace to it's own advantage. Again this misdirection would not be possible if American was better informed. Keep them ignorant and they will be easily manipulated, Orwell thought such power requires total control, he was wrong all, it required was to break the education system (by under-funding it) and to put it in the hands of the ignorant and the greedy.
Fix the education system and you will improve America for everyone.
Pizza is not a vegetable. Social Healthcare is not a bad thing and distant War means local jobs and votes.
Don't despair, Educate.
fitzworld wrote:
Wha!?
Umm, Europe, Australia, NZ, Japan etc etc. No catching up required. The above statement underlines what you would arrogance, but it's really only ignorance, which is perfectly curable. Americans can be misguided but only in the sense that the corporate/political world misdirects the populace to it's own advantage. Again this misdirection would not be possible if American was better informed. Keep them ignorant and they will be easily manipulated, Orwell thought such power requires total control, he was wrong all, it required was to break the education system (by under-funding it) and to put it in the hands of the ignorant and the greedy.
Fix the education system and you will improve America for everyone.
Pizza is not a vegetable. Social Healthcare is not a bad thing and distant War means local jobs and votes.
Don't despair, Educate.
fitzworld wrote:
The lyrics couldn't be more brutally honest about both American foreign policy and our way of life. What's wrong with we Americans that makes us so arrogant and misguided? Is everything about greed now? Does everything have to have a profit motive?
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
Apparently those of you who believe this is rap aren't listening to what Michael Franti is saying. This message is super important for the times we live in regardless of how he chooses to set his words to music. To have such blind preconceived ideas about how the message is delivered is just as bad as ignoring it.
I'm an American who has lived overseas for 11 years. (I didn't plan that. It just sort of ... happened.) I can tell you from experience that ignorance is not just an American phenomenon. Most of what passes for intelligent commentary about the USA from people outside the USA is complete rubbish. America is better and smarter than you think, so stop running yourself down, please.
"As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere"
Wha!?
Umm, Europe, Australia, NZ, Japan etc etc. No catching up required. The above statement underlines what you would arrogance, but it's really only ignorance, which is perfectly curable. Americans can be misguided but only in the sense that the corporate/political world misdirects the populace to it's own advantage. Again this misdirection would not be possible if American was better informed. Keep them ignorant and they will be easily manipulated, Orwell thought such power requires total control, he was wrong all, it required was to break the education system (by under-funding it) and to put it in the hands of the ignorant and the greedy.
Fix the education system and you will improve America for everyone.
Pizza is not a vegetable. Social Healthcare is not a bad thing and distant War means local jobs and votes.
Don't despair, Educate.
fitzworld wrote:
Wha!?
Umm, Europe, Australia, NZ, Japan etc etc. No catching up required. The above statement underlines what you would arrogance, but it's really only ignorance, which is perfectly curable. Americans can be misguided but only in the sense that the corporate/political world misdirects the populace to it's own advantage. Again this misdirection would not be possible if American was better informed. Keep them ignorant and they will be easily manipulated, Orwell thought such power requires total control, he was wrong all, it required was to break the education system (by under-funding it) and to put it in the hands of the ignorant and the greedy.
Fix the education system and you will improve America for everyone.
Pizza is not a vegetable. Social Healthcare is not a bad thing and distant War means local jobs and votes.
Don't despair, Educate.
fitzworld wrote:
The lyrics couldn't be more brutally honest about both American foreign policy and our way of life. What's wrong with we Americans that makes us so arrogant and misguided? Is everything about greed now? Does everything have to have a profit motive?
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
The lyrics couldn't be more brutally honest about both American foreign policy and our way of life. What's wrong with we Americans that makes us so arrogant and misguided? Is everything about greed now? Does everything have to have a profit motive?
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
Like all great empires before us, it's evident that our prominence and influence are gradually dwindling. As the rest of the world catches up to us in virtually every socioeconomic sphere, we are being challenged in ways that we haven't in the past and of course that's upsetting to a lot of Americans who aren't smart enough to see the writing on the wall and connect the dots.
As much as I think there was a time when it was often beneficial for the United States to wield it's power in the world, that time is long past, and this song explains why. And the answer is really simple: Both our government and private sectors are riddled with dishonesty and corruption, and the economic collapse and disparity between the haves and the have-nots in our country tell the whole story.
msercer wrote:
I hear yah! I've seen him perform 4 times — the first time I think 2008 or 2009, outdoor venue (Marymoor Park) was just magical. Seriously, I've seen so many concerts in my life, and it ranked up in the top 3 for me. The indoor venues were okay. Although he posted last minute on FB that he'd do a short set outside (steps of Key Arena) before opening for John Mayer a couple years ago — and we raced down and made it in time, THAT was amazing too! He is a very honest and real human being who cares about his fans.
You shouldnt just listen to Michael Franti, you should also hear what he's saying. Nevertheless, music is great too. Am a huge fan and will always remember his concert in Tasmania, AUS, for NY eve 2003. Whole lota love!
Peace!
Peace!
I hear yah! I've seen him perform 4 times — the first time I think 2008 or 2009, outdoor venue (Marymoor Park) was just magical. Seriously, I've seen so many concerts in my life, and it ranked up in the top 3 for me. The indoor venues were okay. Although he posted last minute on FB that he'd do a short set outside (steps of Key Arena) before opening for John Mayer a couple years ago — and we raced down and made it in time, THAT was amazing too! He is a very honest and real human being who cares about his fans.
First, this isn't rap. Secondly, RP has always been (and PLEASE let it always be) about diversity. I like it. 
vanmas wrote:
No. So many narrow minds here.
I hate rap! This is not RP...
Am I right?
Am I right?
No. So many narrow minds here.
Please no rappy.
It sound really crappy.
It too yappy.
Makes me fappy.
In other words...this really sucks.
It sound really crappy.
It too yappy.
Makes me fappy.
In other words...this really sucks.
rapadapacantagetanoughajustagottahatetharappathisasongaissonotradioparadisabutiamgonnakeepmyradioonacausethistunacrappawillgowasyasoonenougha.
Oh the horrar! the horrar!
idiot_wind wrote:
Ha ha! Thanks very much for the chuckle. I needed that. And I agree with your sentiments about this song.
Please no rap crap. It's just so boring...I mean you must be snoring....but you ain't adoring...or your ox will be goring, C'mon, playing this crap demeans the GD and Brubeck you played earlier.
But just wave your hand sin the air...I'm sure the lyric is in the song, but don't smoke a bong, but you could be wrong, and it won't be long, hey there goes Linda Wong....
But just wave your hand sin the air...I'm sure the lyric is in the song, but don't smoke a bong, but you could be wrong, and it won't be long, hey there goes Linda Wong....
Ha ha! Thanks very much for the chuckle. I needed that. And I agree with your sentiments about this song.
vanmas wrote:
Radio Paradise est tout!
I hate rap! This is not RP...
Am I right?
Am I right?
Radio Paradise est tout!
Please no rap crap. It's just so boring...I mean you must be snoring....but you ain't adoring...or your ox will be goring, C'mon, playing this crap demeans the GD and Brubeck you played earlier.
But just wave your hand sin the air...I'm sure the lyric is in the song, but don't smoke a bong, but you could be wrong, and it won't be long, hey there goes Linda Wong....
But just wave your hand sin the air...I'm sure the lyric is in the song, but don't smoke a bong, but you could be wrong, and it won't be long, hey there goes Linda Wong....
Nice theme song for a revolution. Just need a logo.
You shouldnt just listen to Michael Franti, you should also hear what he's saying. Nevertheless, music is great too. Am a huge fan and will always remember his concert in Tasmania, AUS, for NY eve 2003. Whole lota love!
Peace!
Hannio wrote:
Peace!
Hannio wrote:
If we're going to hear some in-your-face revolutionary crap, why not Rage Against the Machine? At least they make interesting music. Like it was said earlier, this sounds too much like the Macarena.
I hate rap! This is not RP...
Am I right?
Am I right?
djengs wrote:
Exactly. If we're going to hear some in-your-face revolutionary crap, why not Rage Against the Machine? At least they make interesting music, unlike this wanker.
revolutionary macarena.
Exactly. If we're going to hear some in-your-face revolutionary crap, why not Rage Against the Machine? At least they make interesting music, unlike this wanker.
revolutionary macarena.
Mute, mute the station.
I like it, it's got a good beat, you can dance to it and start a left-nut wing revolution at the same time! Solid 7 
love
His best album. The man walks on water!
rdo wrote:
Unchallenged left-wing nuts? Not wanting right-wing nuts?
So. That makes you a middle of the road wing-nut.
We have a lot of left-wing nuts that post here (Fred O'Reilly), and that go basically unchallenged. Not that I want right wing-nuts. Politcal talk needs to be encouraged, if nothing else than to have a sense of perspective.
Unchallenged left-wing nuts? Not wanting right-wing nuts?
So. That makes you a middle of the road wing-nut.
Thats right! The last time we had the balls to stand up music played a big part and we need the soundtrack for the next revolution right now!
Limpopoking wrote:
Well said
No, it's not.
Too many people are saying in our society that NO place is the place to talk about politics. Thus, people don't vote. And we get Bush, the Tea Party, and Occupy Wall Street. When/Where is the place if not here, with politcal songs?
We have a lot of left-wing nuts that post here (Fred O'Reilly), and that go basically unchallenged. Not that I want right wing-nuts. Politcal talk needs to be encouraged, if nothing else than to have a sense of perspective.
Well said
No, it's not.
Too many people are saying in our society that NO place is the place to talk about politics. Thus, people don't vote. And we get Bush, the Tea Party, and Occupy Wall Street. When/Where is the place if not here, with politcal songs?
We have a lot of left-wing nuts that post here (Fred O'Reilly), and that go basically unchallenged. Not that I want right wing-nuts. Politcal talk needs to be encouraged, if nothing else than to have a sense of perspective.
Power to the peaceful , people!
Cynaera wrote:
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
Well said
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
Well said
TerryS wrote:
Occasionally, there is a song which makes everybody happy.
Really?
Judging by the comments on these forums, someone would have a problem with it...if only because they don't want to be happy.
Occasionally, there is a song which makes everybody happy.
Really?
Judging by the comments on these forums, someone would have a problem with it...if only because they don't want to be happy.
Cynaera wrote:
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
What she said!
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
What she said!
Good tune! Glad I missed the flame war.
Hip hop meets music with a good result. I like this.
my lighters on for michael franti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mgdFHU7hraM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mgdFHU7hraM
sedentaryz wrote:
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.
I am fully aware that Michael Franti writes overtly political lyrics. Just because I chose not to decypher the lyrics in favor of the beat, it doesn't mean I'm ignorant, nor does it mean I ignored the message in the song. (Yes, I went back and listened to the lyrics, and they are typical Franti eye-openers. But I expected that.)
Go play with someone else who has a library of political material with which to retaliate. I like the music. Sometimes the lyrics hit me first, and sometimes I'm more attracted to the beat. By the way - my political beliefs (since they seem to be of extreme importance to you) are that I don't trust politicians, or humans in general.
Do with that what you will (and I'm sure you will.)
We can't all be enlightened, eloquent intellectuals. But I believe we all have the right to express ourselves, however awkwardly. Perhaps he doesn't have the "big picture." I say appreciate the emotion and sentiment. Maybe it will move you, oh enlightened, eloquent intellectuals, to take action.
90180360 wrote:
If you don't like the political slant of this station, may I suggest you go to LeeGreenwood.com and listen to God Bless the USA and all of his other greatest hits. Or better yet, create your own internet radio station and play all the Travis Tritt you wish. This is Bill's station, love it or leave it dude.
About the reaction I expected :P
Let me rephrase:
Don't put songs on the playlist just because of their political message, please.
Let me rephrase:
Don't put songs on the playlist just because of their political message, please.
If you don't like the political slant of this station, may I suggest you go to LeeGreenwood.com and listen to God Bless the USA and all of his other greatest hits. Or better yet, create your own internet radio station and play all the Travis Tritt you wish. This is Bill's station, love it or leave it dude.
bluecshells wrote:
not like that like this:
FIRE!!!
a yo yo yo
Fire
not like that like this:
FIRE!!!
a yo yo yo
Fire
actusreus wrote:
but I like the yo-yo-yo thing
I am not really a Michael Franti fan, and I don't really think the message is all that profound..., but a ... 9. It works when you put it all together
but I like the yo-yo-yo thing
I am not really a Michael Franti fan, and I don't really think the message is all that profound..., but a ... 9. It works when you put it all together
sedentaryz wrote:
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.
Lighten up chaps, most people who listen to music, do just that - listen to the music/beat/melody, syncopation, chordings, uplift/down beat etc. Then there are those who only listen to the lyrics, or the voice, quality, resonance, grating, or sweetness quotient. Or some particular instrument. Some listen to complain.
Occasionally, there is a song which makes everybody happy.
This song reminds me, too, of the Macarena. Happy now?
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.
Lighten up chaps, most people who listen to music, do just that - listen to the music/beat/melody, syncopation, chordings, uplift/down beat etc. Then there are those who only listen to the lyrics, or the voice, quality, resonance, grating, or sweetness quotient. Or some particular instrument. Some listen to complain.
Occasionally, there is a song which makes everybody happy.
This song reminds me, too, of the Macarena. Happy now?
Cynaera wrote:
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.
Yet again, a song becomes a soapbox for political commentary. (I bet Mr. Franti would LOVE to read this thread.)
I love this song. I don't know the words, but the beat makes me dance. I am simple and, apparently, shallow. Or maybe it's just that I've had enough trauma, stress, and schisms in my life for now, and I just want to enjoy a song for the superficial reasons, like the beat makes me dance.
I love this song. I don't know the words, but the beat makes me dance. I am simple and, apparently, shallow. Or maybe it's just that I've had enough trauma, stress, and schisms in my life for now, and I just want to enjoy a song for the superficial reasons, like the beat makes me dance.
Wow. Imagine that. A song with explicitly political lyrics leads to a discussion on political beliefs.
I wonder if Mr Franti would LOVE to know that listeners don't bother to pay attention to the message in the song.