I was listening to Stevie Wonder’s album, “Songs in the Key of Life” this morning. As I listened it struck me that the songs were masterfully crafted commentaries on our lives in the 1970s. They are no less insightful and true when taken in today’s context. The lyrics of “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” speak poignantly of hatred and division and the existential threat they pose. Our very lives are at stake. In the absence of common decency and respect for all humanity, we must resist hatred of the “other” no matter which side we are on. Hate knows no party or status, color or creed. It is an equal opportunity destroyer.
“Good morn or evening friends
Here’s your friendly announcer
I have serious news to pass on to everybody
What I’m about to say
Could mean the world’s disaster
Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain
It’s that
Love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
Send yours in right away
Hate’s goin’ round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it’s gone too far
The force of evil plans
To make you its possession
And it will if we let it
Destroy ev-er-y-body
We all must take
Precautionary measures
If love and peace you treasure …
Did you ever think that love would be in need of love today?”
(Songwriters: Stevie Wonder Love’s in Need of Love Today lyrics © 1976 EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
#ResistHate
