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Playing For Change

2009 Jan 16

Corporate leaders, economists and politicians are forever urging us to be competitive. We compete for places, awards and scholarships in college and university. We compete for limited job positions in the work place. We compete for export markets in a global economy.

When are we going to come to realize and accept that economics is a zero-sum game?

The gains we make come on the backs of others somewhere in the world. We have heard the expression "there is no such thing as a free lunch".

We need to be reminded that price discounts, leader losses, advertising etc. come with hidden costs which the consumer eventually pays for in the long run. In the same manner, neglect of the poor, marginalized and less privileged sectors of society results in the need for increased levels of social spending, charitable donations and taxes. Eventually society pays for all externalities which have been ignored and neglected by profit motivated markets .

The strength of a chain depends on its weakest link.

Life is a journey along a long and winding road. On this journey do we forge ahead at full speed or do we pause along the way and help those who are less fortunate?

Enjoy.

The Beatles

The Long and Winding Road

  The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to your door

The wild and windy night
That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day
Why leave me standing here
Let me know the way

Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried
Anyway you've always known
The many ways I've tried

But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me waiting here
A long long time ago
Don't keep me standing here
Lead me to your door

But still they lead me back
To the long winding road
You left me waiting here
A long long time ago
Don't leave me standing here
Lead me to your door

 

The Hollies

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

 

The road is long, with many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where?
But I'm strong, strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy - he's my brother

So on we go, his welfare is my concern
no burden is he to bear, we'll get there
For I know he would not encumber me
He ain't heavy - he's my brother

If I'm laden at all, I'm laden with sadness
that everyone's heart isn't filled with the gladness
of love for one another.

It's a long, long road, from which there is no return
While we're on the way to there, why not share?
And the load doesn't weight me down at all
He ain't heavy - he's my brother

 

Bill Withers

Lean On Me

 

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's
always tomorrow

Lean on me
when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

(Chorus)
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Second Verse
(Chorus)

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
(Chorus)
Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (call me)
Call me (if you need a friend)
Call me (if you ever need a friend)
Call me (call me)
Call me
Call me (if you need A friend)

 

Playing For Change

Stand By Me

Playing For Change

www.PlayingForChange.com

 

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me, oh now now stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me
Darlin', darlin', stand by me, stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Ben E. King

 

One Love

One Earth

Playing For Change

www.PlayingForChange.com

 

  One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One Love)
Hear the children crying (One Heart)
Sayin' give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Sayin' let's get together and feel all right

Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love)
There is one question I'd really like to ask (One Heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me

One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart)
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
One more thing

Let's get together to fight this Holy Armageddon (One Love)
So when the Man comes there will be no no doom (One Song)
Have pity on those whose chances grove thinner
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation

Sayin' One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
I'm pleading to mankind (One Love)
Oh Lord (One Heart)

Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Let's get together and feel all right

Bob Marley

 


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