Reflect Back
Would u do it the same?
It’s a lonely path
But no one is to blame
Started alone
1 turned into a few then many
But who really gets it
Is it too complicated?
Should I write more on it?
I can feel it, it’s right
Some can’t hold the politics
Others see I
Few can put the pieces together
To view the bigger picture
Music like any art has become
A lonely profession
Art movements long gone
Am I holding on to the past?
Internet, home studios & start-ups
Are double edge swords
Brought it back to the people
But now people are inside
In individual houses
To come back outside with individual products
Still getting ripped off by others
Self-determination is not only selling yourself
Yes, Ray Charles was a musical genius
He was also a brilliant businessman
Can we learn from Blues elders
Or do we see them as just old & bitter
Artists/activists get it
What is it worth
Preaching to the choir
But the choir gives strength
When you feel alone on the road
Is there social justice in music
Not just talking about lyrics
Or will it remain private
Artists hire to entertain
Make people clap and dance
But not to think
Immortal Technique
Is a one-man island
Back to I and getting mines
Is it a catch 22
How did they do it back in the day
Still no one to blame
Sad to see our art has turned into a game
Living off art
It was done
The question is what is living
With today’s cost of living
Forget about MTV Videos
Big cars big rings all of that bling bling
Just pay my rent
Keep me out of nursing homes when I get old
Spread the wealth
With good health
Not just another cooperate franchise
Pulling down neighborhood’s worth
Not moving to Beverly Hills
Taking money out of banks
And put it into the People’s Union
Will the ripple turn into a wave
Not in my life time
But the time is coming
Am I ahead of my time
Or do I want to blend old to new
Anyway we see it
One thing is true things will change
Reflecting back
Looking forward
Feeling supported in the present
To continue this work
Knowing the fruits will be eaten
Food for thought for youth
As they grow into adulthood
Leroy Moore
11/12/10