Day 70 - Second Hundred of the Obama Administration July 8, 2009 - History

From yesterday's Guardian - "Rock the vote": the number of songs about Barack Obama uploaded to YouTube and added to a playlist at youtube.com/obamasongs recently pipped the 900 mark. It would take 49 hours to listen to all of them - a bad idea unless you're a sucker for dodgy rhymes and well-meaning over-sincerity.

So are any of them any good (eg good enough to prospectively match up to We've got Franklin D Roosevelt back again, and maybe still be sung in foreign countries 70+ years later).

Or for that matter, are there any recommended songs about any of the other candidates. Don't want to be partisan about this.

Oh, by all means. the "Obama's Irish" song is a classic not to be missed.

That's true - here's a rousing version from Shay Black in California. And particularly notable for the grand quote from James Connolly up on the wall in the background, which I'll transcribe here, so I know where to find it again:

No revolutionary movement is complete without its poetic expression. If such a movement has caught hold of the imagination of the masses they will seek a vent in song for the aspirations, fears and hopes, the loves and hatreds engendered by the struggle. Until the movement is marked by the joyous, defiant singing of revolutionary songs it lacks one of the most distinctive marks of a popular revolutionary movement it is the dogma of the few and not the faith of the multitude. (James Connolly 1907)

As for the other candidates, I recommend "The Man, The Myth, The McCain" by Roy Zimmerman. D

Then there's that great Richie Valenz song "Oh, Bama." )

Yes, that'd be a good one for the Republicans. Maybe as

I've been sampling those Obama songs, and it's interesting. A whole mix-of different types of people putting them up, and different genres. In English there's Hip-hop, blues, country, gospel, folk, and a whole range of Hispanic. And Africann

Peggy Seeger is in there with a song called Obama is the One for Me, which I can see sticking around after all this is over.

And Joan Baez turns up as one of the voices on American Prayer by Dave Stewart, which I can't see surviving except as a curiosity.

But mostly it's people I've never heard of, enthused up to make a song and sing it in their living room - and some of these are not at all bad. For example "The Other 'Yes I can.

And here an offering by a Kenyan band, Kenge Kenge, which I really loved.

And here's a pro Obama song by "Two Republican good ol' boys just can't take it anymore. " singing about Votin' for Barack

All told it's a pretty interesting collection - and by no means all "dodgy rhymes and well-meaning over-sincerity", to quote that piece in the Guardian about the phenomenon.

Though the enthusiasm and naivety in a bit disquieting - a lot of people are inevitably going to be feel let down when they find Obama can't actually walk on water. For example maybe the people who put together a song like That's why Obama was born, which is essentially a spiritual. (And musically it's quite impressive).

They'll write books about this, especially if Obama makes it to the White House.

Thanks, McGrath of Harlow for starting this thread and for pointing out the songs that you like on that list.

Prior to watching any of those videos, I'd like to share two songs about Senator Barack Obama campaign that have impressed me the most:

will.i.am's "Yes We Can" video represents for me the past, the present, and the future. This video demonstrates the high value given to the spoken word in African & African Diaspora cultures and shows the close connection between the spoken word and song. I consider Obama's speech in New Hampshire to be one of the most powerful speeches that he has given thus far. And I consider will.i. am's video of that speech to be the most powerful, highly innovative, aesthetically pleasing videos of a political speech that I've ever seen & heard.

For Obama: "Si Se Puede Cambiar" by Andres Useche

I really like this video because of the power of the song's lyrics. I also like the video's images.

In my opinion, "Si Se Puede Cambiar" is worthy of being considered along with great American "songs for folk" like "If I Had A Hammer". I love this song because of its message of hope and strength. I also love it because its "Yes We Can" message focuses on "everyday people" and not on Obama himself. In so doing, Useche's song accurately reflects the spirit and the power of Obama's presidential campaign.

That Kenge Kenge link went wrong - and it's about my favourite clipmin that post. So here it is again, I hope: Kenge Kenge: Obama For Change

Here's a new and very lively one from Peggy Seeger, posted on YouTube only yesterday - Sarah's Hard Rock Candy
.
I agree about "will.i.am's "Yes We Can" , Azizi. It's interesting that it's inspired lots of other versions of it, by individuals and groups - some rather entertaining parodies knocking McCain's campaign.For example "No you can't, no se puede"

I agree with you McGrath. Kenge Kenge Obama For Change is a good choice.

Thanks again for alerting us to these videos!

Here's a link to a Mudcat thread on the Yes We Can video & other similar videos:

Thank you McGrath for the link to Kenge Kenge. What a wonderful fresh sound they have. I'll be checking out other songs by this band.
And thanks to Azizi for the link to "Si Se Puede Cambiar". This one nearlyhad me in tears. I read the line Yes we can change as not only to say we can change our political path by voting for Obama but also to say that we, the human race, can change. I know that's a lot to ask for but we can dream it and strive toward it.

Neil, that's the message I got from the song, too.

I believe we are experiencing or about to experience a transformative period in our existence. And I believe that Barack Obama is a transformative leader who is at the right place, at the right time, for the right reasons.

One pleasant thing about looking through these Obama songs is finding singers and musicians you haven't across and you're glad you now have.

For example I found this "Barack Obama Song (Stem The Rising Tide)" from Muriel Anderson, whose clearly a hell of a good musician, and I'd never heard of her before. And it's a lovely song and performance, and a great backing group.

And thanks to the miracle of Google,

Of course existing songs can take on a new meaning in this kind of election.

Here is Dolores Keane singing Let it Be, with a slide show that gives it that new meaning. Coming after one minute of really ugly stuff, to provide a context: Hope or Hate? You Decide.

And if you don't like Obama, you can always turn off the pictures and just listen to Dolores.

Now, this one isn't specifically about Obama, but I think it's great:
http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm

Thanks to whoever posted a link to this song in another thread.

Hey, how come there are so few Palin-McCain songs posted?

There seem to quite a few McCain songs - but they generally seem to be knocking him. I think this one is pro-McCain, but I'm not completely sure. If I were McCain I don't think I'd feel too happy about it. And the fact it's a parody of Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" might be unfortunate too: McCain Song

This one is definitely pro-McCain, since they played it at the Republican Convention and seemed to love it Raisin' McCain

And here's a pro-Palin song - Sarah Barracuda Not a bad song either. (Words are here).

Mudcatter Mary Katherine has started this thread

on this song about Barack Obama:

Imo, it's a great song and video!

TAKIN' IT BACK WITH BARACK (For "Swing" Voters)
(Will Galison)

Hate to see the nation being run by a hack
Dig the situation that he dug in Iraq
Half the population wants to give him the sack
And now he's lookin' round for somebody else to attack
We need somebody great to get us back on the track

So we're takin' it back with Barack, Jack!

Choo Choo, Change to believe in
Woo woo, we can achieve it
Choo Choo, Change to believe in
Takin' it back with Barack, Jack!

Now that global warming is a matter of fact
The only real question is just how to react
The new administration needs the guts to enact
Drastic legislation, leave the planet intact
We can't be foolin' round with some Republican Mac

So we're takin' it back with Barack, Jack!

He only gets his money from your regular macs
Doesn't take a penny from some whackity PAC's
For bringin' folk together he's the man with the knack
And he'll supply the hope and inspiration we lack
Cause he's the best we got and did I ….mention he's black?

So we're takin' it back with Barack, Jack!

Genie from 10/18: Roy Z also wrote a great Obama song called "Eine Kleine Barackmusik". Check it out. good stuff. :)

Yes, harpmolly, I forgot about Eine Kleine Barackmusik, but it's wonderful too.

I think these two Obama songs deserve special mention, if only because they are remakes of the Hank Snow song I've been everywhere :

Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder also have a version of this song for the national election -Obama vs McCain. That version mentions cities throughout the USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaDFrhh0d-w
Obama Everywhere-Earl Pickens and the Band Named Thunder

I like the first song much better than the second. That's partly because I live in Pennsylvania and therefore recognized the cities that are mentioned in the Obama gonna win in Pennsylvania primary song . But I also prefer the first song because of its video. Imo, that video has a more of a folksy charm than the second one does. To a large degree because the lead singer is funny and more engaging in the first video than the second one.

For what it's worth, this time I think the band's declaration is gonna be proven true. Obama's not only gonna win the national election-but he'll also win in Pennsylvania.

Very tuneful and goodnatured, which isn't always the case in political songs. And I'm glad to see the target isn't Joe, it's the man who's been trying use him as an assault weapon, McCain.

I also like "The Ballad of Joe The Plumber", especially for its play on words and its visuals.

This song is about Sarah Palin and not Barack Obama.

The song is about two Russian men who share a border with Sarah, who they profess to love. The video has only been on YouTube since October 14, 2008, but has already gone viral with 68,839 viewers to date.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR9V_aOCga0
vlad and friend boris presents 'Song for Sarah' for mrs. Palin

Here are the words to the song as posted by vlad and boris:

"Hello Sarah Palin we wrote this song for you because we see you from Russia! Plz respond to our emails!! We like to hear from you!!

words 2 song
soon as i wayk up in the morning
i go to my window
i made this teliscop myself out of duck tape and the thing that holds the rapping paper

so i can see if ur there
i fix it on ur howse in Alaska
my next door neybor here in moscow

what r u doing rite now lets see
r u and todd ok?
u say u can see me and my country from ur state well im looking at u evry day.

misses palin!
i want to fly into ur Airspase!
misses palin!
i want to reer my little Head!
misses palin!
why wont You reply to my Emails.
I made a teliscop for YOU and i luv u so

we share a small merry-time border but the borders of r harts is thick
u dont like news-papers well neether of us can say or reed english

we are madw for eachuther.
so fly ur playn my way
i live at 45454 RUSSIA AVE

repeet misses palin chorus

I say dog gone it you betcha you betcha dog gone it you betcha dog gone it say it aint so joe you betcha dog on it etc

Btw, it appears from reading this article http://walterdurantyreport.blogspot.com/2008/10/kremlin-mouthpiece-russia-today-is.html about that Russian video/song that Vlad and Boris are probably Americans. That article also reports that those two men also fooled some Russians into believing they were real.

There's also comments on that video page that this video has been shown on television news stations in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and probably other nations around the world.

While I do think that video was quite funny, having the Republican candidate for vice president considered a joke throughout the world is actually very sad. And if she and McCain win this election, imo, the joke will be on us.

Speaking of joke, I don't think that people ever figured out whether the video "It's Raining McCain" by the McCain Girls was a great spoof or actually was created in support of Senator John McCain's candidacy for US president.

That video quickly went viral. And it certainly deserves a place in the 2008 Political Video Hall of Fame.

Here's a link to that video:

Here's a very likeable one in Spanish from New Mexico. Vamos a votar por Obama - by Franco Mares

Now this one is a bit late to make much difference - it's a campaign song for Teddy Roosevelt, recorded in 1907. (It didn't work - he didn't get the nomination next time.)

I really like VAMOS A VOTAR POR OBAMA. Here's what I got (I think) of the words and their meaning. Help.

VAMOS A VOTAR POR OBAMA
Tu tia, tu abuela y tu mama,
Toda la familia, unida en la canta,
VAMOS A VOTAR POR OBAMA

Let's all go vote for Obama
Your aunt, your granny and your mama
All of the family, united in the song,
Let's all go vote for Obama

Quiero invitar toda la gente
Che nos unimas di corazon y mente
Toda mi familia, unida, y presente --
Obama es nuestro presidente.

I want to invite all the people
Let us unite in heart and mind
All of my family, united, present it --
Obama is our president.

Ay che cominca la nueva era,
mas comida, meno sierra,
Buen economia, medicina,
opportunidas buenas de scuela

Oh, let the new era begin,
More [food, more to eat?], less [hardship?]
Good economy, health care,
Good opportunities for schooling.

[Sorry, I really don't have much of a clue about the next, final verse:]

Vamos a portar nuestro .
Para cambiar nuestro destino (To change our destiny)
Che Dios no se diga .
??

CHORUS
VAMOS A VOTAR POR OBAMA
Tu tio, tu abuela y tu mama,
Toda la familia, unida en la canta,
VAMOS A VOTAR POR OBAMA

Thanks Ferrara. It's a catchy song - I can't get it out of my head. And the faces in the slide show are so hopeful and cheerful.

I hop esoeone come sup with teh words fo rthta last voice.

This a song I can actually imagine surviving the campaign.

just saw this very moving.

It is an extraordinary varied collection - highly polished, totally un-polished, desperately sincere, calculating, solitary singers in bedrooms, scratch choirs, rap, reggae, roots music, folk children, grannies and granddads, old hippies. A lot of it isn't great music, but that's notbtye point. I doubt if anything quite like this has emerged before, it's an unexpected result of the magic technology we now share.

And it couldn't happen in relation to any other country's election. Or, I'd speculate, to any other candidate. Yes there'd be songs, but not this kind of spread of songs.

Here's a link to a video about President elect Barack Obama's momentous victory:

"Obama Won!" was written by Don Arbor from Berkeley, California.
"There will be plenty of time for serious work on the challenges ahead, but for now, let's celebrate this historic victory!"

Well, now that it's over, I think the "Yes, We Can" song was the best I saw. Here's a link to a good-quality video:

There's another song from the same source, We Are the Ones

Obama used the "Yes, We Can" theme over and over again during the campaign, and it was very effective. As far as I can determine, the song is based on Obama's concession speech given January 9, 2008, after losing the New Hampshire primary. Obama used the "Yes, We Can" theme again in his victory speech last night.

Wikipedia has a good article on "Si, Se Puede" (Yes, We Can), which has been the slogan of the United Farm Workers Union since 1972.

Not necessarily an Obama song, but last night at about midnight, in the smoky tavern we were celebrating in, someone turned down the tv and put U2's "Beautiful Day" on the jukebox. More tears, more hugs : )

Dani (exhausted, hoarse, but so happy. )

I just heard "yes, we can" on the radio (CKUA), and was going to alert everyone here - that's how I came upon this thread. Brought a lump to my throat. The recording, I mean.

900 obama songs on u-tube
900 obama songs
if one of those songs is deleted tonight
899 obama songs on u-tube

899 obama songs o u-tube
899 obama songs
if one of th.

Why am I not hearing either Obama O O bama to the tune of O Donna from Hair, nor (also from Hair) the long tirade about being a colored spade (. ) and President of the United States?

Yikes! For those of us not very familiar with Hair, I believe that last post requires quotation marks around the racist terminology, assuming it comes from the play .

I'm glad GWB is on his way out and that there's a new Prez who I can write songs at.

A lot more useful rhymes for Obama than there are for Bush.

Calmer
Karma
Drama
Farmer
Llama
Lama
Palmer.

Just been sent Obama's Irish song - I'd give it 10 and buy it.
Jim Carroll

Mrrzy might think that her 06 Nov 08 - 09:22 AM comment is witty. But I think that it is in very poor taste.

I'm sure more such comments will be made regarding President Obama and his family. However, any comments like that will tell you nothing about the Obamas, and a lot about the person making them.

I think (but don't know) that Mrzy's comment sounded worse than intended: I believe (but don't know) that Mrzy was quoting from Hair, which is why I suggested in my post that quotation marks were needed. That would have at least given a more clear context to the offensive words.

Is it also possible that she(he?) is unaware that the term in question is so offensive? As we've seen before, there are some terms that are almost universally known and known to be offensive, and others that are well-known and so understood only in certain regions.

Perhaps we'll get an explanation .

"I think the "Yes, We Can" song was the best I saw" I won't quarrel with that judgement - but I think I found the song by Andres Useche, "Si se puede cambiar", with its accompanying video, even more powerful.

This page has various language versions including English, but don't think anything beats the original Spanish one best.

Once again I think this explosion of songs of all kinds an extraordinary and impressive aspect of this extraordinary election campaign.

I thought Si Se Puede caught exactly the right spirit. When it first came out, everything fell into place and I realized I wasn't the only person who felt that we were going in the right direction, and that anything was possible.

That same feeling was a thread running through the campaign, and is a part of the celebration now. It's the calm, open-eyed confidence that Obama doesn't just exude himself, but reminds you that you, and your neighbor, are capable of as well.

Here's a link to a catchy song which uses the saying "Rosa walked etc".

"Written and performed by Amy Dixon-Kolar (c) 2008 Asharta Music/ASCAP. This was written a few days after November 4, 2008 and was inspired by the quote used as the chorus and the celebrations and photos of this historic day. Photographer Bernie Kleina was kind enough to give permission for me to use his photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the murals in the Pilsen area of Chicago."

The words of the chorus are:

Rosa walked so Martin could walk.
Martin walked so Barack could run.
Barack ran. He ran and he won
So that all our children could fly.

Several other videos have this saying in their title. "Rosa sat so Martin could walk" etc has already been put on sweatshirts, and is being circulated [without the song] through emails.

"Rosa sat so Martin could walk" etc. has been credited to various people, especially to rapper Jay-Z But it appears that the person who came up with the saying was Cleo Fields, former Louisiana State Senator and U.S. Congressman, who is quoted as saying those words in a press release for the 9th annual State of the Black Union 2008.

"Panelists observed that Senator Barack Obama's historic run for the White House didn't come out of thin air. "Rosa Parks sat down so we could stand up. Martin Luther King marched so Jesse Jackson could run. Jesse Jackson ran so Obama could win," said Cleo Fields, former Louisiana State Senator and U.S. Congressman."

"Another version of this saying is also credited to Cleo Fields and appears at http://sociologistsforobama.blogspot.com/

Cleo Fields: Putting it all in Perspective
"W. E. B. DuBois started to teach so that Rosa Parks could take a seat. Rosa Parks took a seat so that we could all take a stand. We all took a stand so that Martin Luther King, Jr. could march. Martin Luther King, Jr. marched so that Jesse Jackson could run. Jesse Jackson ran so that Barack Obama could win!"
Cleo Fields at the State of the Black Union February. 23, 2008"
-ontograph

Here's another post from that same blog:

What I find fascinating is the way the folk process operated to streamline the quotation,and to add the mythic element ("our children could fly" has always sounded to me like a reference to "The People Could Fly," the title story from a book of African-American folktales by Virgina Hamilton)"
-kmccary

Mudcat time: 22 June 3:18 PM EDT

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Obama speaks in Orlando about women's educational opportunities

ORLANDO, Fla. &mdash President Barack Obama spent part of the day Thursday speaking about women and the economy at Valencia College, in Orlando.

Obama has been focusing on women's economic issues in this midterm election year and focused on higher education during his visit.

"It's great to be back in Orlando," Obama said to the crowd of several hundred.

Obama's stop at Valencia's west campus was the beginning of a series of visits and discussions across the country focused on women, working families and the economy.

"I'm also here today to make sure the economy rewards the hard work of women," he said.

Obama used his speech to fuel his administration's efforts to give women greater access to higher education and equal pay in the workplace.

"We've got too many women who work hard to support themselves and their families, and they're facing outdated choices or workplace choices that are holding them back," he said.

Democrats are hoping that women will turn out in support of their candidates in November and said Obama's economic message appeals to them.

Florida has one of the country's most competitive gubernatorial races. Obama also plans to raise money for Democrats at two evening fundraisers in Miami.

Behind closed doors, Obama also met with a small group, including a Valencia student, the campus president and an adviser.

The president spoke for about 25 minutes and then made his way to a waiting motorcade on the other side of the building before heading to the airport.

The White House said Obama will be using his discussions with students over the next couple of weeks to help craft his agenda for the president's first ever Summit on Working Families later in the spring.

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