Indio, California: As many are observing the Passover and Easter holidays this week, I am reminded the reason for the season is freedom. Passover is the observance of Jews fleeing slavery in Egypt (after G-d had a plague throw-down with the Pharaoh - locusts, boils, hail, lice, etc., and the particularly-nasty-killing-the-of-the-first-born). Easter is forever connected with Passover as well. The Last Supper was a Seder.
Because of events occurring thousands of years ago, Jews and Christians have the privilege to observe Passover and Easter. Lessons of salvation. Freedom. Rebirth. Justice. But as I reflected upon the messages of the season, an old song kept creeping into my mind. Why this line suddenly invaded my thoughts is just another mystery:
As long as one of us is chained; none of us are free.
As I researched the song, known around the world as an anthem for freedom and civil rights, and made famous by two African-American singers (Ray Charles & Solomon Burke), I learned None of Us Are Free was in fact composed by a Jewish songwriter, Barry Mann (born Iberman) and his wife Cynthia Weil.The message in the words is not necessarily about physical chains, though sadly there are too many people in this world still living as slaves. Oppressed women. Bonded children. Mean People. Crazy dictators. Dog kickers. We all have issues that stifle our freedom. We allow people to take advantage of us. We get trapped. Bad habits persist. We can't defeat our demons. We struggle with faith.
I hope this Easter and Passover holiday will bring you joy. Spring has Sprung. Think upon all the blessings you have in your life. Remember all those who have suffered to give us our freedom. Remember those who are not free.
On this rare somber note, I urge you to click on this link below and enjoy Ray Charles for a few minutes.
Listen to Ray Charles sing
None of Us Are Free
(Safe - hosted by RVGoddess.com)
Well you better listen my sisters and brothers,
'cause if you do you can hear
There are voices still calling across the years.
And they're all crying across the ocean,
And they're crying across the land,
And they will till we all come to understand.
None of us are free.
None of us are free.
None of us are free, if one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
And there are people still in darkness,
And they just can't see the light.
If you don't say it's wrong, then that says it's right.
We need to try to feel for each other, let our brothers know that we care.
Need to get the message, send it out loud and clear.
None of us are free.
None of us are free.
None of us are free, if one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
It's a simple truth we all need, just to hear and to see.
None of us are free, if one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
Now I swear your salvation isn't too hard to find.
None of us can find it on our own,
We have to join together in spirit, heart and mind.
So that every soul who's suffering will know they're not alone.
None of us are free.
None of us are free.
None of us are free, if one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
If you just look around you,
You're gonna see what I say.
Cause the world is getting smaller each passing day.
Now it's time to start making changes
And it's time for us all to realize,
That the truth is shining real bright before our eyes.
None of us are free.
None of us are free.
None of us are free, if one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil & Brenda Russell
Until my next update, I remain, your reflective correspondent.
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