December 2020
And so this is December 2020. This morning, as I was thinking about songs that acknowledge the struggles of the times while also providing inspiration, I thought of Gladys Knight and The Pips' brilliant cover of "I've Got To Use My Imagination", a tune written by Goffin and Goldberg. Knight's single was originally released 47 years ago during a time of economic collapses, ongoing wars, and continued collective grief following the murders of prominent civil rights leaders. The song is basically a giant self-help pep talk to a person suffering deeply because of a bad situation. Rather than give in to ongoing despair, the person thinks of good reasons to go on. The brilliance of the vocal arrangement has The Pips singing that Gladys is strong and must keep on going, to which Gladys replies, "Yes I am". It's like a call-and-response between Gladys' deep inner strength and her present suffering self, and we know that strength will prevail.
This song can teach us a lot as we navigate these uncertain and fraught times. I've always believed that most folks have deep, untapped reserves of strength that remain secret until they are needed. A lot of us now need to draw on those reserves to get through the pandemic winter and the painful ongoing struggles against societal injustices. With Hannukah happening now and Christmas and Kwanzaa on the way, many folks find themselves missing the comforts of get-togethers with family and friends. Yet this year we must express our love for others by NOT seeing them in person. In 2020, nothing says " I love you" like a Zoom call. Yes, I will miss seeing the loved ones I usually spend holiday time with, but we are all making the best of a bad situation and doing our best to keep each other safe. May you all use your imaginations and find creative ways to celebrate the season!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kPFrQPdKPM