Give praise children...

To borrow from the incomparable Sir Paul Mc Cartney and John Lennon....

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Music and books have always been my panacea, the remedy for everything, happy, sad, conflicted, whatever. While I wouldn't say that I've been troubled recently, I have been consciously letting it be.

Two days ago, listening to a batch of young people talking about why they returned to Trinidad to serve their country, I now remember why it is I do what I do. it's very easy to get caught in the trap of always seeing the negative parts, but sometimes you have to look beyond that and see the hope. Not always easy but possible.

The Olympics are on, but you know what, I'm not so interested in watching anymore. These Games that used to stand for excellence, for reaching for a dream, for representing your country seem to be more about, big business, how much money big nations can through at something. Swimmers are breaking records, yes, because they get up and swim every day, train hard and whatever else, but they also have the advantage of better suits, training techniques. What chance does the athlete from a poorer nation have? Professional athletes are competing, the better to gain endorsements with. Maybe I'm idealistic, maybe the world has changed and we don't need the Olympian ideal, so I'm letting it be.

While I am not a believer in the traditional sense, this David Rudder song has been going through my head....maybe it will help you too.

High Mas I © David Michael Rudder

Our Father who has given us this art
So that we can all feel a part
Of this earthly (lesser) heaven....amen
Forgive us this day our daily weaknesses
As we seek to cast our mortal burdens on this city...amen
Oh merciful Father, in this bacchanal season
Where some men will lose their reason
But most of us just want to wine and have a good time
While we looking for a lime, Because we feeling fine, Lord....amen
And as we jump up and down in this crazy town
Send us some music for some healing...amen

Our Father who has given us this art
So that we can all feel as if we are a part
Of your heaven....amen
Forgive us this day our daily weaknesses
As we seek to cast our mortal burdens on this painful city...amen
And on this day when we come out to play and sway
And do a little breakaway
Some will say what they have to say
But only you know the pain we're feeling.....amen

As it was in the beginning of J'ouvert
So it shall be on Carnival Tuesday ending (good vibes)...amen

Chorus:
Everybody hand raise
Everybody give praise
Everybody hand raise
And if you know what I mean....put up your finger
And if you know what I mean....put up your hand
And if you know what I mean....put up your finger
And if you know what I mean then scream
O, give Jah his praises
O, let Jah be praised
O, the Father in his mercy
Send a little music, to make the vibration raise
So Carnival Day, everybody come and celebrate
Everybody come and celebrate
See the ragamuffin congregate
Everybody come and celebrate
And everybody say, oo,a,a,oo,a,a I love my country
oo,a,a,oo,a,a I feeling irie (repeat)