“When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.
Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?Work is love made visible.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
It is Labor Day in the United States and Canada—a public holiday celebrating the achievements of workers, not only in terms of labor rights and workers’ rights, but in particular in terms of the value of our daily work and lifetime achievements that contribute to family wealth and to human civilization. Without meaningful work by the individual, there will be no culture or evolution of society. Each person by their daily work contributes their share to a greater culture of life and freedom that can give birth to the historical achievements, breakthrough inventions, and perennial works of art that truly signify what it means to be human.
Today, and with this Music of the Week, we honor your work.
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Has anyone else listened to Garth Brooks’ song “Man Against Machine” from the same name titled album (released in 2014)? He mentions John Henry a couple of times in the chorus. – It’s not a typical country song at all. He opened his 2014-2017 concerts with it. There are quite a few of his songs and other work that seem prescient.
Papa
They’re waiting just outside my door
This is where I make make my stand
‘Cause I can’t stand it anymore
Papa
They have no heart and soul
But make no doubt about it
They’re the ones that’s in control
So prepare yourself for a war unlike you’ve ever seen
This is man against machine
(Work, Work, Work)
Day in day out
Bust your back and turn it out
Next morning and do it all again
Hard job or two
So your children won’t have to
That’s just the way its always been
But lately I swear the machines
Are living the American dream
Careful calculations
Details drawn down to design
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line
Don’t know me from Adam
Man it’s rotten to the core
Strongly get reminded man has kicked its ass before
John Henry’s about to show on the scene
In this war of man against machine
Work
Work
Work
Work
Up early up hills
Spend your youth to pay the bills
Each generation makes a trade
Top floor brass tacks
Holds the hand that holds the ax
Acts like my dues have not been paid
But pay attention now when I say
Full automation isn’t happening today
Careful calculations
Details drawn down to design
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line
You don’t know me from Adam and it’s rotten to the core
It’s gonna get reminded man has kicked its ass before
John Henry’s about to blow off some steam
In this war of man against the machine
Work
Work
Work
Work
Work
Work
Papa
The power’s off, the machines are down
In this world of darkness
I can still hear a sound
Papa
That sound tears us apart
‘Cause I’m a machine myself
But I am one with a working heart
Careful calculations
Details drawn down to design
Is it really for the better or a better bottom line
Don’t know me from Adam
Man it’s rotten to the core
It’s gonna get reminded man has kicked its ass before
The gloves are off, no love lost between
In this war of man against the machine