“Gone, Gonna Rise Again” by Si Kahn is the Peace Song of the Day for December 20th.
Continue reading Gonna’ rise again: Peace Song for 12/20/2011
Category Archives: Royal Song of The Day
Simplicity in this busy, holiday season: Peace Song for 12/19/2011
Simple Gifts is the Peace Song of the Day for December 19th. It is a Shaker song written by Joseph Brackett in 1848. You can find the lyrics to this song, as well as additional, new lyrics about loving, poverty, and liberty, in the Rise Up Singing songbook.
This song causes me to reflect on the idea of Voluntary Simplicity — keeping things simple, and doing with less, even if you can afford more. At this holiday season, it is nice to enjoy the simple gifts of family and sharing. Hope you will consider shopping less, making your own presents, and studying ideas about Voluntary Simplicity. You can find books on that topic at your local book store, or at Powells Books: here.
Judy Collins performs Simple Gifts (‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple) in this video from 1963:
Continue reading Simplicity in this busy, holiday season: Peace Song for 12/19/2011
Can’t you see something is happening?: Peace Song for 12/18/2011 (catch-up)
“Ballad of a Thin Man” (aka “Mr. Jones”) by Bob Dylan is/was the Peace Song of the Day for December 18th.
Augustus, The Duke of Peace, would like to dedicate this song to all those who judge before they listen.
Continue reading Can’t you see something is happening?: Peace Song for 12/18/2011 (catch-up)
It’s for your own Good: Peace Song for 12/17
Flowers are Red by Harry Chapin is the Peace Song of the Day for December 17th. You can find this song on his album “Livingroom Suite” Duchess Susanna & I bonded over our fondness for this album while we were dating.
Administrators from Riverhead Schools to Gracie Mansion need to understand that creativity and leadership need to be encouraged, not punished. Chapin would often introduce the song by explaining how the inspiration came from a report card that his secretary’s son brought home. The teacher wrote that:
Your son is marching to the beat of a different drummer, but don’t worry we will soon have him joining the parade by the end of the term.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeJJOjb7fj4]
Continue reading It’s for your own Good: Peace Song for 12/17
Heart of snow: Peace Song for 12/16
Snowman by The Nields is the Peace Song of the Day for December 16th. You can find this song on their album “Live From Northampton”.
This song contributes to personal peace, by allowing one to alleviate angst. The song is from the point-of-view of a proud, aching snowman who asserts that he is cold and does not need anyone. It is a wonderful metaphor for the need to feel and express emotions, as taught by Nonviolent Communication.
The End of the War in Iraq?: Peace Song for 12/15/2011
“Find The Cost Of Freedom“, a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song, is the Peace Song of the Day for December 15th.
The Duke and Duchess of Peace find the news of the end of the Iraq War filled with layers of complexity. How could something allegedly so important end in such a whimper? Will it truly be over? Or, will the United States now run the same battle with contractors and mercenaries? What about the other wars?
The intricate harmonies and complicated reflections of this song resonate with the complicated implications that the President has announced the end of one of America’s wars. The mournful tones of this song remind us of the many people who suffered and died for this unnecessary war.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Ehe-6ifuQ&w=420&h=315] Continue reading The End of the War in Iraq?: Peace Song for 12/15/2011
Redemption: Peace Song for 12/14
Redemption Song by Bob Marley is the Peace Song for 12/14/2011.