Story Behind The Song
inspired by the 2008 presidential campaign and contemporary issues, this song endeavours to wake people up to their civic responsibility to be knowledgeable and participate in society. It reminds us that our country is a role model for the rest of the world, and thus has a responsibility to live up to its own codes of ethics. The result is meant to be uplifting and encouraging and forward looking. The theme is that freedom, democracy and a functional society don't come for free and aren't easy, but are worthy goals.
Song Description
the song begins with the motto played by the brass section...foreshadowing the rhythm and melody of "...trying to do the right thing...", the goal of the song. It begins in G Major, but travels to different keys, ending on a plateau of F Major. The bridge tells a brief story of a mother who 'loses' her child. People of different vocations are called to stay vigilant...drummers, technicians, soldiers, politicians, plumbers. This might be called Americana.
| Song Length |
3:34 |
Genre |
Rock - Progressive Rock, Pop - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Worried, Sociable |
Subject |
Change, Courage |
| Similar Artists |
Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Hearts and Minds
Music and lyrics by Harris Shilakowsky ©2008 Shilakowsky
Trying to do... the right thing
I'm Meaning to be.. the best human being
I'm Trying to do the right thing
Freedom will test ...you and me
CHORUS
Hearts and minds
Souls and taxes
Plumbers and musicians interface with politicians
Trying to do the right thing
Feeling the rest of my brothers' needs
Trying to do the right thing
Healing the wounds of insensitivity
Down the street
around the corner
somethin's goin' down.
I can't stop it
A child is lost
A momma's cryin'
Her baby's gone
Its gonna kill me inside
if I don't say something about it
I care too much about all of us.
To let us go down.
So wake up America
Stand up and be counted
And walk with me
And the world will see
How free people help each other
...to get along.
CHORUS
Hearts and minds
Souls and taxes
Drummers and technicians
Soldiers in positions
in defense of foreign missions
Hearts and minds
Souls and taxes
Don't stand in opposition
in the race to recondition
We all know it is our mission
Wake up, America
And the world will see
and the world will know
Our Hearts & Minds