Recently, one of my children approached me with a request to listen to a particular song, expressing a desire for me to grasp the depth of its resonance with them. The song carried a profound sense of affirmation for my child that others shared similar sentiments. The experience, they explained, felt cathartic, as if the music provided a channel for the expression of shared emotions. It reminded me of the simple yet profound ways in which music can serve as a source of comfort and shared understanding.

The Song

WWIII by grandson

My response

Thank you for sharing the song with me and letting me know how it makes you feel and how it resonates with you.  It is amazing, at least for me, that art including music can help us communicate feelings that we often have a hard time expressing with words alone.

I did listen to the song I can say the style wasn’t appealing to me.  It seemed to go from Babes in Toyland to R&B to heavy metal. It seemed confused as to what style it was going for.  After I read the lyrics, which are too hard for me to understand with the music, I could see confused might have been what they were going for?

Listening and reading the lyrics to “WWIII” by grandson, I can’t help but feel a strong sense of disillusionment with the concept of war in the lyrics. The artist seems to capture the frustration and skepticism towards engaging in conflicts, especially when haunted by the mistakes of the past that make it challenging to trust government motivations for the next war.

I can’t help but sense a profound emotional landscape painted by the author—one marked by disillusionment, distrust, despair, hopelessness, and fear. These sentiments resonate deeply, and it’s entirely understandable given the gravity of the subject matter. War, by its very nature, evokes a range of unsettling emotions, and the artist seems to encapsulate these feelings with raw authenticity. Personally, I find myself grappling with the notion that war is a lamentable aspect of human existence, and in my humble perspective, it almost feels like a transgression against the very essence of humanity. It raises questions about how such sentiments align with the concept of just war theory—a contemplation, perhaps, best reserved for another day.

I can say this much for me I think war should be an absolute last resort. The idea of reasoning or fostering love to prevent conflicts is a beautiful notion, and it’s disheartening to acknowledge that, in reality, it might not always be enough. While instances like Nazi Germany necessitated intervention, the question arises: What do we do when diplomacy fails, and a group insists on pursuing aggression, claiming entitlement to land or rights? It’s a complex issue that requires careful consideration and a commitment to exhausting all peaceful avenues before resorting to the horrors of war.

In my humble perspective, the challenge lies in navigating the uncertainty surrounding government statements. While acknowledging the likelihood of misinformation, even within our own government, it’s essential to recognize that there are instances when they do speak the truth. The difficulty for us, as ordinary citizens without access to the same intelligence sources, is discerning the veracity of their claims. Often, we find ourselves lacking the comprehensive set of facts necessary to make an informed judgment about whether a statement is a lie or the truth. It underscores the importance of critical thinking, a cautious approach, and a constant awareness that our understanding is shaped by limited information. In this intricate dance between skepticism and trust, humility becomes a necessary companion as we grapple with the elusive nature of certainty in matters of governance.

The uncertainty surrounding whether the government is divulging the truth or not exposes us to inherent risks. On one side of the spectrum, there’s the risk of inaction, where we might refrain from taking necessary steps due to skepticism, and this could lead to unfavorable consequences. It’s a precarious situation where our reluctance to act may stem from doubt about the information provided. On the flip side, there’s the risk of overreaction, where we might take action based on misinformation, potentially exacerbating problems rather than mitigating them. Striking a balance between caution and decisive action becomes a delicate task, emphasizing the need for transparency and open dialogue between the government and its citizens. This acknowledgment of the potential pitfalls prompts us to approach the uncertainties with a humble awareness of the complexities involved in making informed decisions.

In our quest for understanding and decision-making, there’s a humble hope that the information available to us is, more often than not, accurate. It’s an aspiration grounded in the belief that, as a society, we can make sound and beneficial decisions based on reliable information. This optimism is not without a recognition of the inherent complexities and uncertainties that accompany the pursuit of truth. While we strive for accuracy, there’s an acknowledgment that perfection is elusive, and our understanding is bound to be imperfect. Embracing this humility, we approach the information at our disposal with a sincere intention to make thoughtful choices, aware that the journey toward well-informed decisions is a continuous process of learning and refining our perspectives.

I firmly believe that our situation is far from helpless; rather, we find ourselves in a participatory form of government that bestows upon citizens not only the right but, in my humble view, a responsibility or duty to actively engage. The beauty of our democratic system lies in its continuous need for vigilance. The concept of the consent of the governed, a groundbreaking idea embedded in the U.S. Constitution, underscores the importance of our involvement. While the safeguards in place may occasionally pose challenges in getting things done swiftly, they, in theory, offer crucial checks and balances, providing oversight and accountability to the government. The question “Who watches the watchers?” is a poignant reminder that the onus is on us as citizens to remain actively involved in the democratic process. Our commitment to staying engaged serves as a vital safeguard, ensuring the preservation of the freedoms we hold dear.

In my contemplation of our societal dynamics, I find myself humbly acknowledging that my ultimate hope doesn’t solely rest on our government, community, or even fellow human beings. The inherent flaws within us, despite our earnest endeavors, often lead to setbacks. The pursuit of a perfect government seems elusive, and looking back through history, it becomes evident that we, as a species, have grappled with imperfections in our institutions. However, recognizing our shortcomings is not an expression of hopelessness, but rather an acceptance of the inherent complexity of human nature and societal structures. While we may never achieve perfection, there’s a humble acknowledgment that, despite our flaws, we have made progress, and being mindful of our imperfections allows us to approach challenges with a tempered optimism, seeking improvement rather than unattainable perfection.

In the midst of the overwhelming pain and suffering that can sometimes weigh heavily on my spirit, there are certain songs that serve as beacons of hope, offering solace and emotional rejuvenation. “Someday (Set the Children Free)” by Michael W. Smith and “There Will be a Day” by Jeremy Camp are among my cherished favorites in this regard. These songs hold a unique power to nurture not only my emotional well-being but also my spiritual resilience. They act as a source of comfort, preventing me from spiraling downward in moments of emotional turbulence. I find that exploring the lyrics or immersing myself in the melodies of these songs provides a comforting reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is a profound sense of hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. If you are seeking a similar emotional and spiritual refuge I encourage you to explore these impactful compositions.

Reflection

• What songs or pieces of music have resonated with you on a deep emotional level, providing a sense of affirmation or catharsis?
• How do you believe music can serve as a shared experience, connecting individuals through a universal language of emotions?
• Have you ever had a similar experience where a loved one introduced you to a song that deeply impacted them? How did the shared musical experience influence your connection with that person?