Amidst the covid-19 pandemic that continues to claim many lives across the globe, the world now stands united against another plague, “racism”. Sparked by the unfortunate murder of African American George Floyd through an act of police brutality, thousands of people in and outside the US have come out to protest against racism and appeal to the powers that be to acknowledge that Black Lives Matter.
We can only change the world through loving our neighbors as ourselves. Here are some songs that inspire humanity to be the change we call cry out for.
- “One Man Can Change the World” by Big Sean (featuring Kanye West & John Legend)
Written as a tribute to Big Sean’s late grandmother, this 2015 hip-hop song reminds us that we each have the power within us to change the world. Mildred V. Leonard was one of the first black female captains in World War II, returning home to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree and serve as one of Detroit’s first black female police officers—a true trailblazer.
As the family matriarch, Mildred encouraged Big Sean to pursue his dreams, and he passes her message of inspiration to others:
I hope you learn to make it on your own
And if you love yourself just know you’ll never be alone …
And when you get it all just remember one thing
Remember one thing: That one man could change the world.
- “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Released in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, this R&B song was inspired by Sam Cooke’s personal experience of racism and discrimination. It reminds us that, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
- “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Let the dominoes of positive change start with you!
This 1987 tune is one of my favorite pop songs with a message, and it features a narrator who confesses that he has too often been self-centered rather than being concerned with the world around him. By becoming a better person, he seeks to grow into a role as a more conscious global citizen:
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
- “Make a Little Wave” by Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas
Small acts of kindness can unleash large effects elsewhere, the so-called “butterfly effect.” That’s the essence of this 2009 pop song which encourages listeners to reach out in love and use to benevolent words and deeds to help those in need. What have you done today to unleash kindness upon this world?
- “Change” by Carrie Underwood
When you’re on the very low end of the wage scale, even a temporary setback can mean the difference between having nightly shelter and being forced to live on the streets. Sadly, millions of people are homeless; living on the streets, in shelters, in subsidized transitional housing, or in their cars.
This 2009 country song oozes empathy for such vulnerable people by drawing attention to that spare change on your floorboard, sticky with Coke. That forgotten money may not be worth much to you, but it could help change someone else’s world. The song puts the onus on you: “Whatcha gonna do?”
- “One Tribe” by Black Eyed Peas
One planet. One race. One tribe. We are all human and share a common destiny, according to this 2009 pop song. It advocates forgetting the conflict and instead joining hands to connect and overcome.
- “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson
With an emphasis on the power of love to change the world, this 1991 pop song implores the listener to see the world as a reflection of God’s love. Find the beautiful place in your heart that reflects that joy so that you can make the world a better place for the living.
- “What About Now” by Daughtry
This 2006 rock song and its accompanying video provide a social commentary on change and the responsibility to act. I imagine that the song could be a conversation between God and a world-weary traveler. As God references people who are homeless, hungry, and hurting, it implores the listener to start now before it’s too late.
- “Imagine” by John Lennon
John Lennon sang of peace and unity in this classic rock song during the waning years of the Vietnam War. A decade later, he would become a victim of gun violence.
This tune creates an idyllic picture of humanity laying down its weapons and joining together in brotherhood, no one hungry, greedy, or self-righteous:
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one.
- “One Love” by Bob Marley and The Wailers
Now as much as ever, we could use the global unity that Bob Marley is calling for in this reggae-infused song from 1965. The narrator urges us to hear the children crying, give thanks to God, and join forces for good.
He also notes that evildoers with their hearts full of corruption will have no place to hide. During his lifetime, Marley was a vocal anti-apartheid advocate.
- “Do Something” by Matthew West
Tired of waiting for someone else to do something about the issue you care about? This Contemporary Christian song from 2012 takes the vantage point that recognizing the problem is not enough. Wanting change is simply a start. You have to do something.
Nothing will change if you simply sit still, so get up and own your place in the world to make it better.
- “If You’re Out There” by John Legend
Consider this 2008 R&B number an urgent call to action. It’s time for the new generation to answer the narrator’s plea and lead change in the world.
The narrator urges listeners to conquer hunger, hate, and violence through love. He has the conviction that a better world is possible:
If you hear this message, wherever you stand
I’m calling every woman, calling every man
We’re the generation
We can’t afford to wait
The future started yesterday, and we’re already late.
Source: Spinditty.com
