Friday, June 12, 2015

Blood - Algiers

Algiers


A month or so ago I heard an interview with Mavis Staples. She was asked if she saw the younger contemporary musicians reflecting the kind of political protest, unrest, and call for change in society like the music did of her era. She stated she did not.

I think Algiers attempts to reflect a call for change, and protest in their music in such a song like Blood. The lyrics and video get the message across in a powerful way. I think this band is pretty amazing, and I'm certain we will be hearing more from them in the future. Lyrically, and the creative musical mash up are both a powerful voice for protest, social change and hope.



Blood

For all your love of soma
All my blood's in vain
You say your history's over
All of my blood's in vain
Your television coma
All my blood's in vain
It's gone too far to change
All of my blood's in vain

Flash across your screen
They got you in their hand
Fifteen minutes of freedom
Still 3/5 a man
Sterilize your conscience and
Disgrace your name
A healthy simulation
All my blood's in vain

For all your love of soma
All my blood's in vain
You say your history's over
All my blood's in vain
Your television coma
All my blood's in vain
It's gone too far to change
All of my blood's in vain

Liquor stains your table
Women change you bed
You rise on Sunday morning
Just like the living dead
Your Hell is fornication
Your Heaven is the same
But master is complacent
So all my blood's in vain

For all your love of soma
All my blood's in vain
You say your history's over
All my blood's in vain
Your television coma
All my blood's in vain
It's gone too far to change
All of my blood's in vain

Four hundred years of torture
Four hundred years a slave
Dead just to watch you squander
Just what we tried to save
Now death is at your doorstep
And you're still playing games
So drown in entertainment
Cause all our blood is in vain

2 comments:

thesycamoretree said...

I have to agree with her about many of today's songs. While some might be about an injustice, they tend to just say, "let's get angry." It would be nice to include what needs to be changed and focus on that instead of solely on the rage.

Unknown said...

I think I have to agree Bev though in Canada the music is somewhat less angry and about change. No point in just staying angry for sure.