"Just Get Along" Original

[Johnbee]

This is a friendly song I wrote back in January, before the virus became a world problem.  I was thinking back on the LA Riots of 1992 which were fueled by the beating of Rodney King by a gang of police officers and their subsequent trial and acquittal.  In the midst of the resulting uprising by the black community the original victim, Rodney, made a statement which was both simple and profound.  He said "Can't we all just get along"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sONfxPCTU0

I was going to call this "Rodney's Song" but I didn't feel right naming it after a real person, especially since he's since passed away.  Though his survivors might have thought kindly of it, they might also have resented it, so I chose not to name it directly after Mr. King.  But I did name it after the sentiment he so beautifully conveyed.

Created in Cakewalk featuring Toontrack EZ Drummer & EZ Keys, Trilian Bass module, Arturia DX7V and Syntronik synths and horns by Garritan Jazz & Big Band 3.

If I let you put your faith in me
can I put my trust in you?
Would it be asking too much for us to
collaborate for common good?

We don't have to be the best of friends
to treat each other with respect
Use common decency when we exchange
our feelings with the folks around us
(A better way to live on)

Life's too short to make enemies
Don't let your pride get you killed
We must remember we're all the same
You may just have to share the pain

Even though we don't see eye to eye
we can agree to disagree
All have the right to view things as we choose
It need not come to World War 3

Be prepared to lend your helping hands
Respect each other's boundaries
Appreciate the freedoms we all know
all in a prefect harmony
(A better day to live in)

(Break)

Greet your neighbor with a friendly smile
Let him know how much you care
Forgive the small transgressions that will come
None of us are beyond reproach
(A better mind to think in)

It's a fact we don't look the same
But that doesn't mean you're better than me
We're all of flesh and blood and nothing more
Can't we all just get along?

c 2020 John Bowen Music

[Redler]

So well done again, John! Tasty big band vibes and especially I liked the drum programming. Enjoyable listening!

[Greeny]

Another cracking song & arrangement, and I like the sentiment of the lyric. A great listen.

[Johnbee]

Thanks Greeny & Redler
  JB

[Mike_S]

Yes this is the message that everyone should try and live by. Unfortunately it seems difficult for many. Difference of opinion really divides a lot of people but it shouldn't... they are simply just that - different opinions. Lovely song John.

Mike

[AndyR]

Cool song. Excellent sentiments in the lyrics.

[Johnbee]

Thank you Mike & Andy.

  John B

[drumbum]

Very cool creativity in the arrangements. Carries on nicely without loosing ground.

[Ferryman_1957]

Very nice arrangement John, good use of all the soft instruments and a very nice overall feel. Great sentiment in the lyrics, something that's been sadly lacking of late....