Why I Love 70's Music
Trying out something new today!
I love 70s music.
Wait, a 17 year-old likes music that was released before either of his parents were in Kindergarten?
Yes. Very much so.
But why? Why would anyone like a decade of music that endangers themselves socially because nobody else their age respects what they enjoy listening to?
Because music from the 70s is like a kind friend or family member to Zach, and it can be like one to you.
Confused?
Here’s what I mean as I explain it through the lyrics of some of my favorite songs (which you should listen to by clicking on the picture of their album covers):
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now by McFadden & Whitehead
“I know we've got a long, long way to go
And where we'll end up
I don't know
But we won't let nothing hold us back
We're puttin' ourselves together
We're polishing up our act, well
And if you've ever been held down before
I know you refuse to be held down any more, well”
You Can Make It If You Try by Sly and the Family Stone
You can make it if you try
You can make it if you try
Push a little harder
Think a little deeper
Don't let the plastic
Bring you down
Remember Who You Are by Sly and The Family Stone
Remember who you are
Remember, that's who you will be
Remember who you are
Remember, that's the person
Who's gonna be free
When things seem so hazy
And facts attempt to blind
Of the few that think it's crazy
Confused with peace of mind
They must know you're hearing
Everything they say
Giving you more of a reason
To keep on going your way
We’re a Winner by The Impressions
I don't mind leavin' here
To show the world we have no fear
'Cause we're a winner
And everybody knows it too
We just keep on pushin'
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don't care where you come from
We're just gon' move on up (movin' on up)
Keep On Pushing by The Impressions
Now maybe some day (Mhm), I'll reach that higher goal
I know I can make it with just a little bit of soul
'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushin'
Now look-a look (Look-a look), a-look-a yonder, what's that I see?
A great big stone wall stands there ahead of me
But I've got my pride
And I'll move on aside
And keep on pushin'
Get Yo’ Feet Back on the Ground by Tower of Power
Best get your head together
'cause it's you that's bound to lose, listen here!
I just have to take the time
to get this straight within your mind
Ain't gonna be no more jivin' around, no baby!
Just get yo' feet back on the ground
Dreamer by Supertramp
You can be anyone, celebrate, boy
Well, if I could do something
You can do something
If I could do anything
Can you do something out of this world?
Take a dream on a Sunday
Take a life, take a holiday
Take a lie, take a dreamer
Dream, dream, dream, dream
Dream along
Keep Movin’ On by Sam Cooke
Keep movin' on, keep movin' on
Life is this way
Keep movin' on, keep movin' on
Everyday
When I go to sleep at night
I add up my day
Trying to recall the things I done
And debts I have to pay
For there is one thing that I know
What you reap is what you sow
A Place In The Sun by Pablo Cruise
Well ev'rybody's heart needs a holiday sometime
And ev'ryone of us needs to get away, somehow
So I'm laughing lighthearted moods, oh, the sight-seeing afternoons
And tellin' a joke or two, 'cause ev'ryday invites you to find
Your place in the sun
I’ll Be Your Shelter by Luther Ingram
In times when your troubles seem more than you can afford
And you feel you need a friend, someone to share the load
When your sky grows cloudy
I want you to know you got a friend that is true
Just like the shelter in the time of storm
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
An' your dreams are scattered just like the wind-blown sand
And you feel, you feel you need a friend
I'll be there (I'll be there), reach out your hands (I'll be there)
And when the rain starts to fall
I'll be there just to hold on to
Just like the shelter in the time of storm
I'll see you through, that's what I'll do
I will see you through
Love Train by the O’Jays
People all over the world (you don't need no money)
Join hands (come on)
Start a love train, love train (don't need no ticket, come on)
People all over the world (join in, ride this train)
Join in (ride this train, y'all)
Start a love train (come on, train), love train
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-shiny day
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-shiny day
Stuck In The Middle With You- Stealers Wheel
Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you
Yes, I'm stuck in the middle with you
And I'm wondering what it is I should do
It's so hard to keep this smile from my face
Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place
Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you
I also like 70s songs because many tell a stories about fascinating places. An example of this would be Ukiah by the Doobie Brothers.
If this made no sense or did not resonate with you after some time, feel free to send me some constructive feedback! My email is zacharyjkahn@icloud.com.
-Zach
This is terrific to read- thanks Zach! I still have many of those albums, probably played Stand! 500 times. Like Sonny I would love to hear more about what you liked and why. I like your style - keep on!
Great stuff, Zach! I really liked the songs and lyrics you chose. I also enjoyed the 'call and response' beginning to your piece. It's an effective way to bring people in and set up the point(s) you're trying to make.
If you'll allow one piece of (hopefully) constructive criticism: I'd love to learn why the songs/lyrics resonate with you. In other words, why that specific song by Sly or Sam Cooke? What was it about those songs and/or lyrics that reached out across the decades and moved your soul or influenced your thinking? I'm sure others would be interesting in learning such things as well, so perhaps you can keep it in mind next time should you do another piece on music. In the meantime, keep on writing and grooving!