You may ask, what inspired this song? Due to the proliferation of social media, news outlets evolving into opinion-based formats, and a world where we are bombarded with information and issues of the day, is it any wonder that there is an abundance of opinions? Is it also any wonder that there is so much divisiveness amongst us?
I believe opinions are an important part of our life. For me, they guide me in my daily decisions, help to keep me safe, cause me to take action or not, etc. One definition of opinions I found is, “a belief based on experience and on certain fact, but not amounting to sure knowledge”. I find this true in my life. I have changed my opinions many times based on new information. I think opinions are where we intersect or disconnect. It is the place where we agree, disagree, seek common ground and possibly grow.
So how/why do opinions become a lightning rod and cause such a wide divide at times? Speaking for myself, it’s when they are expressed with negative overtones like hate, ridicule and lies. I don’t mind a debate, but I won’t engage with those who won’t accept the principles of decency and mutual respect. Is it really necessary to denigrate the person with opposing views to express your own? I admit I fall short many times, but as hard as it may be, I try to give respect to the person holding an opposing view. Writing this song, helped me sort out issues having to do with opinions. Hope it does the same for you…. even if you disagree.
lyrics
I don’t believe in luck; I don’t believe in fate, I don’t believe a newborn baby’s heart is filled with hate
I don’t think that justice is always served, some are given more; some are given less than they deserve
I think the politics of religion and religion of politics has sometimes done more damage to what we try to fix
And if everyone would give just a little more than they take, we’d all be better off and the world a better place
Opinions, we all have a few, I got mine, I know you got yours too
Some that I hold are grounded in my facts,
But, I confess that I have many based on something less than that
But, agree or disagree I try to give respect
Cuz, we’re bound to have our differences and we all intersect around opinions
Opinions, even those unexpressed, unspoken or unwritten, are opinions none the less
I think that our beliefs deserve a good debate, but it’s a tragedy when our differences devolve into hate
So, I refuse to engage with those who won’t accept, principles of decency and mutual respect
Opinions laced with hate ridicule and lies, discredits the giver and widens the divide
That’s my opinion, we all have a few, I got mine and I know you got yours too
Some that I hold are grounded in my facts,
But I confess that I have many, based on something less than that
But agree or disagree - as hard as it may be, I try to give respect
Cuz, we’re bound to have our differences; let’s not disconnect around opinions
Prairie Anthem is the vision of two musical artists with a lifetime of experience and a love for putting words to music.
Inspired by singer-songwriters like John Prine, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Guy Clark, they strive to write songs that tell authentic stories and share simple truths. Add the subtle interplay of two guitars supporting soaring vocal harmonies and you have a sound uniquely theirs...more
Collaborating remotely with 12 songwriters from all over the world, Kim Edgar emerged with a work of striking art pop. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 11, 2023
This collection of '90s work from folkie Patrick Regan and friends will appeal to fans of Fairport Convention and Pentangle. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 17, 2023
The latest album by Phill Reynolds, a project of Italian singer Silva Martino Cantele, takes listeners on an Americana-fueled musical ride. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 8, 2022
A vibrant vision of "Central Americana" from the Costa Rica-based artist, blending heartland devotionals with playful Tropicália grooves. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 27, 2022
A fresh, constantly-evolving vision on Americana from the New York trio, weaving together bluegrass, roots music, and pop rock. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 1, 2021