Nposabo

Songs Released After Social Conflict
1. Silent Running- Mike and the Mechanics
First, there seems to be a consensus that the song is speaking about the cold war, as this conflict between the United States and Russia was going on when the song was written. The band seems to be calling us to take action, and live for a bigger purpose than ourselves.

Too, many think that the song is being sungfrom the standpoint of Jesus, as there are allusions to someone speaking from heaven who works with the high command. Too, there is an encouragement to pray to God, with the promise that the Father and the Spirit will help from somewhere above the Earth, with Jesus not mentioning Himself.
2. Another Day in Paradise- Phil Collins

In coming to the second song, I chose Another Day in Paradise. Ibelieve this song came out on a Genesis album, but Phil Collins sang it. This is one of those songs that truly cause us to think outside ourselves. Collins doesn't allow us to remain status quo. The lyrics remind us that while we go about our everyday life, there are people all around us who are truly suffering. Let this song remind you that you can make a difference in the people around you.

Iwant to give you a quick word of advice before we move on. Those people that you see on the street need more than your money. They need a friend. I encourage you to step into their life, and walk with them in the pain. The reward is beyond description.
3. Bitter Sweet Symphony- The Verve

Here is one of those songs that jumped out at me the first time I heard it because I liked the music, butI didn't really pay attention to the lyrics. After I did really pay attention, it was a song that caused me to think about the people in my life.

We can tend to push people out of our way to advance ourselves. Knocking people over to climb the corporate ladder only leaves us without friends once we reach the top, wherever that is. In the original music video the singer is knocking people aroundas he walks down the sidewalk, with no care in the world. Getting wrapped up in our own world while hurting others is easy to do. However, it would make the world a better place if we paid more attention to the people around us.

How are you doing with the relationships in your life? Are you knocking people around physically, emotionally, with your words or in some other way while you achieveyour own ends?
4. Sunday Bloody Sunday- U2

U2 is one of those bands that exist for the purpose of sending the message of social and political change. That message stems from their faith. Bono, the lead singer, travels the world speaking to dignitaries and common people alike to influence change where injustice exists. In their songs you will find many references to injustice, and references toGod bringing justice to the world through His people.

This song that I chose has a profound message to it. It was written while Bono was in a hotel room. As the story goes, he was watching the news and saw that a massacre was occurring in his homeland of Ireland. British troops opened fire on a group of innocent civilians. I believe that 14 were killed. It happened to be Sunday when they shouldhave been at peace. The images and story moved Bono to write and sing of that tragic day.

The reason Bono can sing these songs calling for justice is that he has a real faith that leads to action. What a contrast to those involved in that bloody massacre whose faith was not real. True faith causes us to reconcile with those around us.
5. The Way It Is- Bruce Hornsby and the Range

This isone of those songs that has a catchy tune and lyrics. This song was high on the charts for a long time, and is probably the most well known song of the band. There are people who have next to nothing. We could try to pawn off our responsibility to help them in their need to the government. But, as the song notes, government help is really not much help at all. I encourage you to look around to...