Most of the standard ways that people unite together such as religion, nationalism or any other means of forming a team usually depend on separating yourself from others.
Empathy is a means of uniting and supporting others without a need to create and us versus a them.
In terms of the theme of the album that being opportunity lost, empathy is a way to maximize our opportunity for global harmony and life affirming social interaction. Yet, when our ties to others become dominated by politics, religion, spirituality or any entity with favored or privileged participants we usually limit the opportunity and therefore experience an opportunity lost.
lyrics
Empathy 3/15/04
Have we lost our humanity?
On the slippery slope of personal responsibility?
Have we lost our compassion for our fellow man by saying all decision lies in his hands?
How can I judge, what another can endure?
And not cry when their house is on fire?
Here’s my hand if you need something to hold
I’ll understand if you want to be alone
We all regret some of the choices we take making painful situations on a pile of mistakes
What you sow is what you reap
But love doesn’t end with blame
We’ve seen such pain on so many faces
Past our fears and righteous taunts we would never trade places
The stare of hate is cold and makes us so impatient
Lies are told to get our goat and fuel are indignation
All said, the cost of war is dire
Empathy is what I feel
Gives us hope defines the real
Beliefs often divide and take a stand making competition the cosmic plan
Our basic needs give us clarity
Our hearts understand delight
We’ve seen such pain on so many faces
Past our fears and righteous taunts we would never trade places
We’re told that bringing home the bacon
Is the litmus test of a person’s worth and we must fight hard to make it
All said, the cost of hate is dire
Care, there is no mistaking
Care, the bridge that leads to safety
Empathy
credits
from Opportunity Lost,
released January 16, 2014
Jim Guido Vocals, Bass, Sax, Guitars
Drums Ryan Thompson
An earthy yet somewhat chilly record about life, death, and reconnection, the latest from LOMA experiments with a turn towards the gloomy. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 16, 2024
"Don’t Shy Away" maintains the core sound of the dream pop band's debut, with Emily Cross’s haunted vocals hovering throughout understated instrumental landscapes Bandcamp Album of the Day Oct 27, 2020
Marvelously languid soul and jazz intermingle on these low-lit songs from Sebastian Roca, with feather-light guitars and shuffling drums. Bandcamp New & Notable May 9, 2020