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"Happiness always looks small when you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and at once you learn how big and precious it is."
Maxim Gorky

Friday, December 6, 2013

Song for Friday...for Nelson Mandela

A very important and bright light went out in the world yesterday.
Nelson Mandela died after a long and steady struggle for peace and equal rights.
There are so many songs I could dedicate to this man who, even through
the most adverse and tortuous situations, NEVER gave up.
He proved time and again for decades that
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
A line from one song in particular keeps coming back to me...
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind."
Bob Marley wrote of the struggles of racism,
human rights and justice and I can only imagine
that Nelson Mandela probably, most likely,
grooved on his words and rhythms.
In turn, I imagine Bob Marley was thinking of men like Nelson Mandela
when he wrote this quote...
Nelson Mandela was a fighter.
He spent 27 years in prison
After his release he became the first black man
to become the President of South Africa.
He spent his whole life fighting to end apartheid.
He was truly the Father of a Nation.
And so I give you the iconic Bob Marley tune
'Redemption Song' sung here not by Mr Marley himself
but a host of singers and musicians from all over the world.
Enjoy and light a candle for Nelson Mandela.
He has left this world a better place.
Have a peaceful weekend all.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Well said, Farmlass, and thank you.

Cobalt Violet said...

Beautiful and perfect. I heard the news in my car on the way to work and was overcome. Started to weep ... I didn't expect it and had to collect myself before my students came. Anyway, this was a great tribute to him.