Elvis Costello Whats So Funny bout Peace Love and Understanding

It's hard to know what to say that I haven't already said or that someone else hasn't already said better. And as for continuing this series of Plague Songs,… what to sing this week? My repertoire is limited, but I've tried to choose something apt for the current moment.

There are actually four songs in there. The two main ones are the O'Jays' "Love Train" (1972), written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, and Brinsley Schwarz's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding" (1974), written by Nick Lowe and made famous by Elvis Costello (1978). The very end is of course from the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" (1967). I've also interpolated a little bit of the gospel song "This Train" (popularized by Sister Rosetta Tharpe), altering the lyrics slightly. Keb' Mo's cover of "Love Train" alerted me to its allusion to "This Train," and so credit to him for that insight and inspiration.

Looking to help?

As I say at the end of the video, love requires action. So, if you're looking to help, here are some resources.

• Black Lives Matter
• Minnesota Freedom Fund
• Minnesota ACLU
• George Floyd's family gofundme
• For more, check out Sarah Park Dahlen's comprehensive page of Resources to Support the Minneapolis Protests (Google doc)

Here in Manhattan, Kansas, I'll be attending the Protest at Triangle Park tonight (Tuesday, June 2nd) at 6:30 pm. If you're local, I'll see you there – well, as best I can. (We'll be doing our best to socially-distance.) If you're not local, seek the protest in your area or organize one of your own. Black lives matter. Fight fascism. Fight for justice. But please be careful out there.

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This post is also part of the "Plague Songs" series, and so I'll reproduce all of that information below.

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Looking for a #PlagueSong to perform? Check out this ever-expanding playlist. Of course, you may have a song in mind that I don't know – and that would be welcome, too!

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Source: https://schollthendous1937.blogspot.com/2022/06/whataaas-so-funny-about-peace-love-and.html

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