The weather has been so lovely lately, and as a political reporter, this is my favorite time of year. I’ve spent the past week beep-bopping around polling locations with a little hope in my heart and a genuine appreciation for this silly little thing we call democracy.
JESSICA’S PLAYLIST:
“Signs” – Five Man Electrical Band. Yard signs are blooming on every corner right now, so this one opens the set.
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears. A reminder that every candidate on the ballot wants the job, and we’re the ones who decide.
“This Land Is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie. The original folk anthem about shared ownership of the country. It belongs on any civic playlist.
“Across the Lines” – Tracy Chapman. A quiet, serious song about the lines that divide us, and a good prompt to think about who we’re voting alongside.
“Good People” – Jack Johnson. Jack wonders where all the good people have gone, and after a year full of scandal, it’s a fair question.
“The Times They Are a-Changin'” – Bob Dylan. Every election is a chance for change, and Dylan said it best.
“Get Up, Stand Up” – Bob Marley & the Wailers. The last song Marley ever performed live and the last song I’ll play before I vote this year. “…don’t give up the fight”
“Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution” – Tracy Chapman. Tracy gets two spots. She earned them.
“National Anthem” – Lana Del Rey. From her 2012 album Born to Die, it’s a glossy, cynical take on money, power, and prestige.
“Vote ‘Em Out” – Willie Nelson. Willie’s plainspoken reminder that the ballot box is where we hold leaders accountable.
“If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” – Sting. A song about holding on to belief when it’s tested, which feels right for this time of year.
There you go… ROCK OUT WITH YOUR ballot out.
All my love,
All my light,
All my best,
Jess
P.S. What’s on your election playlist? Let me know in the Facebook comments.