His project Spearhead produced the critically acclaimed Home in 1994. The album contained his biggest single, "Hole in the Bucket," a thoughtful lament on the plight of the homeless, and "Positive," which addressed the growing AIDS epidemic. The album boasted adept funk samplings, sinuous guitar vamps, and soulful, melodic tracks about family and social injustice. 1997's Chocolate Supa Highway was not as pop-friendly as Home, but neither did its themes of kidnappings and police brutality lend themselves to such overt accessibility. Its mixture of harsher musical styles -- techno, rock, and funk -- was a step forward for Franti as his world view broadened and deepened. In 2001, Franti released Stay Human. In it he expresses his anger at the system, his advocacy of love, and his belief in freedom through individuality and self-expression through a set of songs that revolve around a fictitious death penalty case. In it, his embrace of the genres that inspired him is achieved with eloquence.
Earlier projects of Franti include The Beatnigs and The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, which had more of an experimental/industrial sound, but addressed many of the same social/political issues.
As a celebration of the Election of Barack Obama Franti recorded the Obama Song, offered as a free track on downloaded at their offical website, www.michaelfranti.com/.
Gloria
Michael Franti & Spearhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do many little things, then the whole world changes
But sometimes not fast enough for me
You see I'm just a little man, trying hard to understand
What kind of living is a life if I can't stand on my own two feet
You see we are looking for the same thing
But I know each day in life don't get much easier than the last
So today I'm just glad to be alive
And I'm singing
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
Glad to be alive
I think that life is a blessing
And every step, every lesson
You want for love and protection
To those in me
To all my mothers and fathers
And all the angels and saints
I'm so glad to be alive
Seems like there's never enough time to do the things I wanna do
And it never ends
But at the end of the day I might not have no money to count or spend
But I know I can count on all my friends
And you call on me
See we are looking for the same thing
And we are trying to survive
And I know each day in life with you gets better than the last
So today I'm just glad to be alive
And I'm singing
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
Glad to be alive
I'm just trying to find a way to say
I'm just trying to find a way to say
Don't you ever, ever, ever go away
When many little people in many little places
Do many little things, then the whole world changes
But I just want you next to me
And I'm singing
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
Glad to be alive
Singing
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
I'm glad to be alive
I'm glad to be alive
The song "Gloria" by Michael Franti & Spearhead is an anthem to life and the struggles it brings. The opening lines, "When many little people in many little places, Do many little things, then the whole world changes", speak to the idea that big change can come from small actions. However, the song also acknowledges that change may not come fast enough for the singer, who is "just a little man, trying hard to understand what kind of living is a life if I can't stand on my own two feet."
Despite this struggle, the song is ultimately a celebration of life and the connections we make with others. "Seems like there's never enough time to do the things I wanna do, and it never ends," the singer laments, but he finds solace in the fact that he can count on his friends. The repeated lines of "Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side" and "Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive" emphasize the importance of finding joy and gratitude in the midst of life's difficulties.
Overall, "Gloria" is a powerful song about the beauty and struggle of life, the importance of human connection, and the desire for change.
Line by Line Meaning
When many little people in many little places
Do many little things, then the whole world changes
The collective action of many individuals in different communities can cause a significant positive impact on the world
But sometimes not fast enough for me
Although progress is being made, sometimes it may not be happening quickly enough
You see I'm just a little man, trying hard to understand
What kind of living is a life if I can't stand on my own two feet
The singer is struggling to comprehend the value of life if he is unable to be independent and self-sufficient
You see we are looking for the same thing
And we are trying to survive
But I know each day in life don't get much easier than the last
So today I'm just glad to be alive
Although everyone is trying to survive, life can be challenging and strenuous. Regardless of these hardships, the artist is grateful for each day lived
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
Glad to be alive
The artist is expressing joy for the blessings of life and the constant support of those around him.
I think that life is a blessing
And every step, every lesson
You want for love and protection
To those in me
Life is a precious gift and valuable lessons can be learned from every experience. The singer values love and protection for himself and others
To all my mothers and fathers
And all the angels and saints
I'm so glad to be alive
The singer expresses gratitude to all the maternal and paternal figures in his life, as well as all other influences that have supported and uplifted him
Seems like there's never enough time to do the things I wanna do
And it never ends
But at the end of the day I might not have no money to count or spend
But I know I can count on all my friends
Life can seem restricted and tiring with tasks that are constantly unfinished, but having friends who show support and care surpasses having material wealth
And you call on me
See we are looking for the same thing
And we are trying to survive
And I know each day in life with you gets better than the last
So today I'm just glad to be alive
The artist acknowledges the common desires and struggles between himself and others. He has found comfort in someone who has made his days better and satisfying.
I'm just trying to find a way to say
I'm just trying to find a way to say
Don't you ever, ever, ever go away
The artist fears losing the one that has brought light and goodness to his life
But I just want you next to me
And I'm singing
All the singer desires is to have that special someone by his side, and he acknowledges the positive shift they bring to his life.
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
Glad to be alive
The artist finds joy in life when his loved one is by his side, and he celebrates his existence.
Singing
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, stay by my side
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, I'm glad to be alive
I'm glad to be alive
The singer continues to sing and express his gratitude for having good people by his side and for the very gift of life itself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHERINE TANYA ANDERSON, COURTNEY JOHN MORRISON, MICHAEL FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
OMelody
This is wonderful! God Bless Michael Franti!! I always feel better when I listen and sing with him as well! Glory be to God!
Eva Silva
Ele foi o meu achado no SWU 2011, o melhor de todos naquele 12/11/2011, Fez meu dia valer a pena...simplicidade, humildade simpatia,interagiu com o público com carinho e carisma!!além de letras musicais coerentes e com conteúdo temático inteligente! I love Michael Franti & spearhead!!
Kathleen Gensman
Michael is the most amazing singer! His music is so real and he has the ability to put my feelings into words and song. You are a blessing to the world! Thank you for spreading love and positivity in this world! Your music touches my soul 💜
Aaron Thomas
Franti is such an amazing artist he can speak to; the young and the old, the black, brown, yellow, and white. It doesn't matter who you are he has an amazing message that everyone should try to incorporate into their own lives. Not only that he is also an amazing performer, the love and energy at his shows is incomparable to any other. Much Love
Gus Allen
Michael, thank you so much for this song. It has had a permanent spot on my depression and suicidal ideation playlist since the first time I heard it. It never fails to lift me up.
Zickcermacity
Such an uplifting song that isn't preachy, just makes you want to hit the curly-cue button and hear it over again! :)
EmpressOfWyoming58
Thank you for posting this. It's so uplifting. I listen to this whole CD, but particularly this song, to cheer up. It's very good to find the CD version on Youtube. I was able to listen to this on my recent trip out of town, because you have it posted here.
Steph V
Was lucky enough to see, no, be blown away by Michael Franti at The Calvin Theater in Northampton, Mass and it was one of THE BEST shows I've EVER experienced. Thank you for your LOVE, compassion, humanity, positivity and blessings. YOU are truly a gift to us all Michael Franti!
Kali Forner
I could never express my gratitude for your music. It has brought me so much comfort. I listen to special songs that help me feel the love I know I deserve. I have been playing this song on my fb profile because I want people to know that there is good people who care. Peace, Love, and blessings to you and yours
John Thomas
Bless you, Kali.