That's a Protest Song?

Since a recent article about protest songs came out in this week’s issue of the Isthmus, I’ve had a couple of people ask me about a song the MPs had on the No Camouflage compilation CD. Both friends commented that the song, Play Me, sounds like a break up song rather than a protest song.

Admittedly, it does sound like a “scorned lover” tune but that's not what I had in mind when I was writing it. One of the things that I like about pop music is that, once you write it, arrange it, and put it out there, it’s up for interpretation by the listener and can mean anything at all. That's why I don't tend to explain myself too often.

But, since Play Me is on a “protest album” I suppose I should justify its existence.

I wrote Play Me after listening to an NPR interview of some academic that had just released an analysis of GWB’s rise to power through the Texas State political system. I was only half listening so there may have been a bigger point to the interview than just the part I remember. At one point in the interview, she drew a comparison of GW’s tactics and those put forth by Mao in his “Little Red Book.”

Back in the day, it was widely recognized that GW was drug addled and a craptastic businessman (not to mention an Air National Guard deserter). But then…He was “born again.” Like declaring chapter 11 for the soul he was given a fresh start.

The NPR interviewee (I can’t remember her name), read a quote from Mao in which he suggested that communist leaders would most effectively build a support base by taking their message to people that would be sympathetic. The quote was something like “Find a sea in which to roam.” In other words, find a big group willing to listen to you. Secure their support. Then, cultivate their undying faith in you and your words.

Past sins forgotten, GW began to work the Sunday morning religious shows, bringing his message to an audience that would understand. His cause was to spread his version of good, solid family values across a nation in moral decline. He referred to his crusade as one of caring and love. Compassionate conservatism anyone?

The No Camouflage version of Play Me.

Verse 1
Don't call it caring
Don't call it love
It's more like teasing
I'm thinking of
How you played me
How you made me oh no, no, no, no
Don't call it caring, don't call it love


Verse 2
Don't say it's easy
Don't say it's right
It's cheap and sleazy
And you just might
Know how to play me
How to make me oh no, no, no, no
Don't say it's easy, don't say it's right


Chorus
And now you've found your
Sea in which to roam
When you go down
You'll take us with you
Why should you go down all alone

Bridge
Why don't you put your faith in me?
My truth is all you'll ever need
To set you free

Verse 3
It's about power
It's about life
Eleventh hour
Struggle and strife
And, how you played me
How you made me oh no, no, no, no
It's about power, It's about life