Sunday Selections #8

Thanks to Michael Che for reminding us it's Prince’s birthday today! Personally my favorite song by Prince. Just like the title, he sings some controversial words,

I just can't believe all the things people say
Controversy
Am I black or white, am I straight or gay?
Some people want to die so they can be free
I said life is just a game, we're all just the same, do you want to play?
People call me rude, I wish we all were nude
I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules

This album came out in 1981, but it’s sad that even after 39 years, we are still fighting for the same shit.

Do I need to write anything for this beautiful soul that blessed us with heavenly songs like this one? Probably not, but here’s a few words anyway.

I don’t know what it is about this song in particular, but it always makes me tear up. Perhaps because it’s so loving. Because the lyrics are the words I want to sing to someone or maybe they are the words I want to hear from someone. Whichever it is, I think it can be applied to a lover, friend, neighbor - anyone really. Most definitely what we need in this time of history.

As 2Pac’s 1994 interview on civil rights and inequality issues is resurfacing, we can’t help but wonder what we’ve done to bring about change - nothing it seems like. If we’re sitting here saying we love songs by Black artists, then we should act to support the Black community instead of reinforcing cultural appropriation. Let’s talk the talk and walk the walk because we have the chance right now to do that.