Being the global citizen that I am, when I examine world politics there seems to be universal themes that run through every voter’s mind around election time. Although our city’s elections are now done and over with, I can still relate to many of the political questions that Marvin Gaye raises in his song You’re the Man. One of our thinkGood. friends OB brought this song to my attention, and shared with me his interpretation of how Marvin not only uses lyrics but also utilizes a multitude of engineering and production measures to convey his message to his audience.
Listed below are some of the lyrics to You’re the Man. Take a minute to critically examine the lyrical content, and even take in the background vocals. You might even think that the layered voices are there to depict strength in numbers, and the voting power we as citizens possess as a population. The more voices the better, it is the only way we can create change! Do not be silent! Silence is deadly…thinkGood.
You’re the man
We don’t wanna hear no more lies
About how you plan economize
We want our dollar value increased
Employment to rise
The nation’s taxation
Is causin’ all, all this inflation
Don’t give us no peace sign
Turn around and rob the people blind
Economics is the issue
Do you have a plan with you?
‘Cause if you’ve got a master plan
Got to vote for you
You’re the man
(8 times, over scat singing):
Don’t you understand?
There’s misery in the land
(One version fades out during this; read further for a longer version)
People marching on Washington
Why not hear what they have to say?
‘Cause the tables just might turn against you, brother
Set around Election Day
Politics and hypocrites
Is turning us all into lunatics
Can you take the guns from our sons?
Right all the wrongs this administration has done?
Peace and freedom is the issue
Do you have a plan with you?
If you’ve got a plan
If you’ve got a master plan
Got to vote for you
Hey hey, got to vote for you
‘Cause you’re the man
(repeat and fade):
Got to vote for you
doGood. feelGood. liveGood.
-Team thinkGood.
Tags: itsOB, Marvin Gaye, You're the Man