A wind of change is blowing after yesterday’s inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Song Gardeners’ new single “Warrior of Light” couldn’t have been released at a better time – inspiring us all to “Stand up! Peacefully, peacefully” for a better tomorrow.
The Song Gardeners is a San Francisco Bay Area band featuring Corrie Dunn, Mary Gospe, and Chris Day. In June, they debuted with two original songs, “Love Flows” and “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu” (May All Beings Be Well). Then they followed up with “Altered State” and “Love Is The Magic Of Change”. In the chaos following the election, these two songs gave hope to many. Now they are back with an equally inspiring song:
Warrior of Light
The Song Gardeners’ sound is a delightful mix of Pop, Groove, and Chill – which also can be labeled as New Age Pop. “Warrior of Light” continues where “Altered State” and “Love Is The Magic Of Change” left off. It is an incredibly well-made and radio-friendly piece that goes straight to the listener’s heart. The way it deals with problems and issues makes me think of political songs of the 1960s and 70s. It has that same powerful “we can fix this together” attitude. Even the color palette is all Peace & Love. Before Trump, it might have been a bit over the top, but now – in light of recent events – it is just right.
The mixing and mastering are hands down fantastic. The first 8 seconds is a “rewind-intro”, which makes the listener pay attention. We are greeted by a piano, deep synth pads, and a gentle rhythm. This segment reminds me of the piano used by Michael Cretu in Enigma’s “MCMXC a.D.” album. It is just as good. But all of this seems to fade into the background as Mary Gospe starts singing. It is impossible not to be moved by the lyrics (see the video for the complete lyrics):
Activate the love inside, be a warrior, warrior of light
Activate the love inside, be a warrior, warrior of light
We had plans, they got changed
Suddenly, our lives rearranged
It will never, ever be quite the same
It’s a new game
Not sure which news to trust
As we pivot, adapt, adjust
Learn, discern, then go with your gut
Uncover cover-ups
Up high we see the low down
Our fear is a feeding ground
For those who seek control
The manipulation has got to go
Chaos is a catalyst
Change is here, we’re in the shift
Fear or love, you decide
In which world will you reside?
Stand up! Reclaim your sovereignty
Stand up! For what you believe
Stand up! Create a new story
Stand up! Peacefully, peacefully
I love the use of “Activate”; being a Warrior of Light is a choice, not something that comes automatically. We humans are pre-programmed to be egotistical and are easily manipulated (“Fear or love, you decide”). But when we “activate the love inside”, everything changes. It is an awakening in every sense of the word, making you “Learn, discern, then go with your gut / Uncover cover-ups”. It is, without a doubt, the finest and most timely political New Age music lyrics ever.
There are many Covid19 references here, seen as a symptom of the past administration’s inability to see the dangers of the virus before it was too late. The untrustworthy news networks are another symptom of the problems that have to be fixed. But Warrior of Lights can fight this, peacefully and respectfully. The chorus around 2m:20s and onwards, where the whole band joins in, is terrific.
The Song Gardeners have delivered a single that every channel on the Earth should be playing this week. The days and months ahead will require an army of illuminated warriors, willing to “Stand up! Peacefully, peacefully”.
Luckily, we all know where to start.
For more information and music samples, visit thesonggardeners.com
Also make sure to check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thesonggardeners/