“No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices.” Edward R. Murrow, CBS TV newscaster, on McCarthyism.
“I hear that melting-pot stuff a lot, and all I can say is that we haven’t melted.” Jesse L. Jackson, American civil rights leader, on Multiculturalism.
“The media is power. Murrow used it to help bring down McCarthy. Now we need the media to assist us with bridging the world’s Eight Mile Road Moats. People, volunteer organizations, and businesses are doing there part. It’s time for the media to step up to the plate.” Jackie Blue, on the meaning of “Channel Five.”
lyrics
Turn on the news
Now man what’s the use
The exploitation of death, misery and crime
Four children died
And you’ve got it live
And all so that your ratings go sky high
Lights, camera, action
What’s our reaction
Sell the world this drama that you find
No thought for the families
Or for the tragedies
That tear them up so bad inside
Chorus
Now can’t you see that
People hurt
Thoughtless lines on the screen
Won’t you check your words
If you could only
Just sympathize
You’ve got no love
Fuck off Channel 5!
Turn on the news
Now man what’s the use
I’ve got enough problems as it is
Cover this story
There’s sure to be glory
Lonely man jumps off of highway bridge
I can’t understand
How misfortunes hand
Helps the cause that makes you so rich
All the shit that you’re airing
Negatives blaring
Just makes people out here bitch!
Chorus
Turn on the news
Now man what’s the use
Reality is a division, black and white
You lack to provide
What we know inside
Like Jesse says: “It’s still night”
People resist
And can’t you assist?
Now bring the real issues to light
The media is power
Feelings is coward
Check Murrow’s hour
And do what’s right!
Chorus
No love at all
You just want to read your screen
Don’t you find that people bleed?
Where’s your compassion?
No satisfaction
In other peoples jams
That’s your only scam!
Chorus
credits
from Behind Me,
released January 1, 2001
All lyrics, music and performances by Jackie Blue.
