I've never been more hopeful, relieved and excited for a presidential inauguration than I am for Joe Biden's. So much so that I put together a playlist to mark the occasion, trying to reflect what the Biden administration and the event means for our country during this troubled time.
Much like Biden's cabinet, my 15-song playlist represents the diversity of America and music, with at least one song from every decade from the 1960s through 2020, encompassing artists from diverse backgrounds and genres.
Let me know what you think and if you have other selections worth listening to.
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T" (Aretha Franklin, 1967)
After four years dominated by hate, lies and meanness, we need so much for respect to return to our world: respect for facts, respect for decency, respect for each other. Fifty years before the #MeToo Movement, this was the song that called out the lack of respect so many women face in our society.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
“Bridge over Troubled Water” (Simon & Garfunkel, 1970)
The greatest song ever written about making it through tough times. I know Joe will be our bridge and ease our minds amid the troubled waters roiling our nation.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbVJ08jkU10
“Lean on Me” (Bill Withers, 1972)
Because it’s time to lean on one another, instead of pitting us against each other, as we build back better through the pain and sorrow. Joe Biden is all about empathy, and so is this song.
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrlhn1H1EWw
"Don’t Stop Believin’" (Journey, 1981)
The theme song of the pandemic, because no matter what, you should never stop believing in a better tomorrow.
“Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KGe_4leh_Y
“Chariots of Fire” (Vangelis and Laura Wright, 1981)
The greatest song for firing you up to meet the challenges life throws at you, and Joe knows a thing or two about that. (I like the the version with lyrics).
The passion and courage
It takes to be there
The spirit of freedom Alive in the air.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGF3nE27GXo
“I’m Still Standing” (Elton John, 1983)
The story of Joe Biden’s life, through trial and tragedy, he's still standing, better than he ever has.
Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue4Jx1oBviI
"Coming Out of the Dark” (Gloria Estefan, 1991)
The song of perseverance and resilience, about coming back when you're knocked, and finding the light through the darkness.
Coming out of the dark
I finally see the light now
And it's shining on me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_TNrfvyZUc
"That's the Way it Is" (Celine Dion, 1999)
Baby, don't worry, forget your sorrow
'Cause love's gonna conquer it all, all
“Better Days” (OneRepublic, 2000)
Because it’s time to put the past behind us and look ahead to better days.
May we never ever shed another tear for today
'Cause oh, I know that there'll be better days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdhvju4s2W0
“Waitin’ on a Sunny Day” (Bruce Springsteen, 2002)
When the Boss says, “Everything’ll be OK … Don’t Worry We’re Gonna Find a Way,” you can just feel the sun beginning to break through the clouds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4-OnaH79HY
"Survivor" (Destiny's Child, 2002)
With apologies to Gloria Gaynor, this is the best song ever about surviving toxicity and working toward a better life free of ill will. This song of strength and determination is also perfect for the social media age, even though Facebook and Twitter didn't exist when it was recorded ("you know I'm not going to diss you on the internet"):
I'm a survivor (what), I'm not gon' give up (what)
I'm not gon' stop (what), I'm goin' work harder (what)
I'm a survivor (what), I'm gonna make it (what)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4OOum4Vm-M
“Where is the Love?” (The Black Eyed Peas, 2003)
Every lyric of this song speaks to the ills of our current age and the path to redemption and healing. A song filled with raw power, honesty ... and hope.
Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead in spreading love we're spreading animosity...
Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FotCW5OIFZc
Since Donald Trump apparently wants a 21 gun salute to mark the end of his disastrous four years, this song sums up him and all his delusions. It's time to give up the fight.
When you're at the end of the road
And you lost all sense of control
And your thoughts have taken their toll
When your mind breaks the spirit of your soul
Your faith walks on broken glass
And the hangover doesn't pass
Nothing's ever built to last
You're in ruins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcOK_YATp6U
“Born this Way” (Lady Gaga, 2011)
For all those who were marginalized and ostracized the past four years because of their race, gender or sexual orientation. We again have a president who will respect you.
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BsLd4Y060Q
"South Gotta Change" (Adia Victoria, 2020)
Of all the lies that haunt our nation, none continues to inflict deeper wounds than the one embodied in Confederate statues and flags, and which continues to grant cover to racism and white supremacy more than 150 years after the Civil War. It is time to set history straight in America, starting with the South, and once and for all set us all free from the lies.
You've told a lie for so long
You're a stranger to yourself
You're all dressed up in make-believe
To be somebody else
So listen closely when I sing
That the truth would set you free
