David Rovics is a prolific singer-songwriter and activist who has been active for over two decades. He recently released the excellent album Strangers & Friends, which is well worth the listen.
Along with the album tracks, Rovics often composes topical songs which he posts online. A recent example is the timely “Corona Virus Climate Catastrophe Fascist Empire 2020 Blues Massacree.”
As the title implies the satirical tune addresses the Coronavirus. It also addresses society’s failure to respond to the spread of COVID 19 in a timely manner. Even though many parts of the world are starting to take steps to contain the virus, the initial inaction and minimizing of the risk compounded the spread which led to it turning into a pandemic.
Rovics highlights that inaction and minimizing goes beyond the Coronavirus. That attitude contributes to many societal ills, such as climate change.
“Bush all burning, towns destroyed. Then the flooding, filling the void. Left by the loss of the plants and soil. But they keep digging for coal and drilling for oil. As if the end times weren’t right here. Just go shopping, do not fear.”
Governments and corporations won’t make the necessary changes when their bottom line is affected. As citizens of this planet, we don’t always want to change our routine even if it puts the planet or others at risk. From protecting the planet to social distancing, we should want to do our part before it is too late.