Collaborative Project Suggestions for Musicians

[Guest guest]

One crying need that I think I see in the vegetarian community

(and vegetarian movement) is its lack of a " musical culture "

which binds us all together.

 

Many vegetarians are NOT old enough to remember the

various social and political movements of " the Sixties " ,

although many people DO try to RECREATE the vegetarian

communities and movements in its image.

 

That cannot be done, I believe, unless we have MUSIC

to " bind us together " .

 

Here's my argument.

 

Every social and political movement that has EVER

succeeded has enjoyed a musical culture which

served its visions and values to the supporters and

to the world at large, like a large abundant bowl of

nectar poured generously - to overflowing -

into the basin of thirsty culture.

 

Religion has, to a large extent, I believe, survived

because the arts have served the visions it communicates.

 

The anti-war protests of " the Sixties " grew because

there were protest lyrics.

 

In addition, we have something different here in the

vegetarian movement.

 

I believe that the attempt to make the vegetarian movement

a protest movement are wrong-headed UNTIL the basic

vision has been communicated successfully. That vision

includes the desirability of plant-based diets, perhaps

WITHOUT using the words 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'.

 

While historically there ARE musicians who have been

vegetarian, most 'historical studies' merely show pop entertainers,

a far cry from the classical composer or the great mind who,

like Beethoven, could craft a symphony in his deafness.

 

Yet popular music, it is, that the vegetarian communities

need, and I suggest that we begin with the work of

vegetarian popular musicians like

 

Raffi (environmental and children's entertainer,

reputed to be vegan)

 

The 5-A-Day collection used widely in public schools

 

Jennifer Schwirzer - all health-conscious sons, like

" Fiber, Come Back " (we want something to chew)

" Look at that Cow in the Barnyard "

" Coffee's Not My Cup of Tea "

" Ballad of a Vegetarian "

etc.

 

And see whether or not we COULD develop a

real SONGBOOK for use in homeschooling,

vegetarian societies, rallies, conferences, gatherings, etc.

and in private use (hey - what do I sing while I'm working)

and in small groups, or while traveling?

 

Can you imaging a group of vegetarians driving along

bursting out into song, singing "

 

Look at that cow in the barnyard,

The big hulky cow eating hay.

Well, if all she eats

Is grass hay and wheats,

How does she grow that way?

 

They say I need meat to be healthy,

But I think they told me a lie.

Just look at that cow in the barnyard.

....etc...

 

Remember the ape in the jungle...

....

They say I need meat to be healthy,

But I think they told me a lie.

Remember the ape in the jungle...

....fifty times stronger than I

 

Mrs. Giraffe has a secret for living in simplicity.

McDonald's is NOT where she takes her tots.

She just takes them out to the tree.

 

{You see, understanding MUST be communicated in song.}

 

Maynard S. Clark