The continuation of our personal and social existence involves an odd combination of things staying the same with never ending change and development. Social and personal growth need an underlying consistency in order to give change direction and purpose.
Governments and other power structures often attempt to artificially keep a status quo to insure their privileged position. This song takes a look at the mechanisms that those in power often use to keep their stranglehold on privilege while also fostering the allegiance of those who serve and protect their interests (voters, soldiers, etc.).
According to the singer, "all we need is thoughtful change, all we need is not to fear change……. life keeps changing (is) the status quo, life keeps changing (there is no complete) status quo". Change is just as inevitable as routine, and we should always be wary of those who try to prohibit change or make us afraid of all that is foreign or novel. Those who view diversity of opinion as a threat or act of treason are in reality attempting to execute the tyranny of consensus while parading it about as harmony.
lyrics
Status Quo 6/31/87
Looks like we’re back, back again
Where killing for the flag is the only way to win
The freedom we protect won’t wear thin
Shoot another president if he’s dangerous as sin
Oh what have we gone thru, how could we forget those bloody tears?
Oh what did we fight for if it is still profit rules?
Status quo now keeps our decisions clear
Status quo is filled with constant fears
Of who will bring us pain or steal it all away
People keep hiding from the truth
Oddly smiling faces on the nightly news
Feelings are shown thru sordid clues
Hiding fear and anger thru religious ruse
Oh there’s easy answers if we don’t play the fool
By clutching on to bodies that are long cold and blue
Status quo now keeps our decisions clear
Status quo is filled with constant fears
Oh who will bring us pain or steal it all away
Life keeps changing
All we need is thoughtful change
All we need is not to fear change
Life keeps changing status quo
Life keeps changing no status quo
credits
from Edge of Eden,
released November 8, 2013
Vocals Jim Guido
Keys Jim Guido
Guitars John Barden
Bass Jim Guido
Horns Jim Guido
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