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/.
I Know I'm Not Alone
Michael Franti & Spearhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It seems to always come
Back when we were young
We'd sing and party all night long
The season don't ever come on time no more
War paints over the years
And anger fills our tears
What happen to the sun
But I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
But I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
Every time I read the news
I'm always more confused
Tellin' me to choose
But there's only lies to choose from
And how many died today
How many lost their homes or shot a gun
Or a love one
What happen to our sons
But I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
And I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
I know I'm far away from home but I know I'm not alone
I know I'm far away from home but I know I'm not alone
In Michael Franti & Spearhead's song I Know I'm Not Alone, the singer asks what happened to the sun, which used to shine brightly in their youth, but now seems to be obscured by war and strife. The lyrics suggest that the world has become a darker, more dangerous place, with anger, tears, and death prevalent. Despite this, the singer takes solace in the fact that they are not alone - a message that is repeated throughout the song.
The song reflects the feeling of helplessness that many people have in the face of global conflicts, and the constant flow of negative news that we are bombarded with. The lyrics suggest that there are no good choices, only lies, and that it is difficult to make sense of what is happening in the world.
The repetition of the phrase "But I know, I know, I know I'm not alone" throughout the song creates a sense of solidarity and community, and suggests that even in a world full of darkness, there is still hope and human connection to be found.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the state of the world, and the human need for connection, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever happen to the sun
What has caused the sun to disappear?
It seems to always come
Despite its inconsistency, the sun eventually comes back.
Back when we were young
In our youth, we had endless energy and joy.
We'd sing and party all night long
We used to celebrate life with music and festivities.
The season don't ever come on time no more
Nature's timing seems to be off lately.
War paints over the years
The impact of war has left visible and painful marks on society.
And anger fills our tears
Our sadness is mixed with anger towards the injustices we see.
What happen to the sun
The question of the sun's disappearance lingers.
But I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
Despite the confusion and sadness, there is comfort in knowing others are experiencing it too.
Every time I read the news
The news articles only add to the confusion and sadness.
I'm always more confused
The news seems to have conflicting information and opinions, which adds to the confusion.
Tellin' me to choose
The news is asking the listener to make a decision or take sides, despite the complexity of the situation.
But there's only lies to choose from
Despite being asked to make a choice, all options seem dishonest or incomplete.
And how many died today
An impossible number of people are dying, and it's hard to keep track.
How many lost their homes or shot a gun
The effects of war and violence are felt on a large scale - homes are lost, and weapons are being used.
Or a love one
The loss is not just abstract - real people are losing loved ones.
What happen to our sons
The question of what has happened to the youth of society looms large.
I know I'm far away from home but I know I'm not alone
Even though the singer is physically far from home, they still feel connected to others who share their experiences.
And I know, I know, I know I'm not alone
The repetition of this line reinforces the sense of community and solidarity among those who are struggling.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARL ROGERS YOUNG, DAVID SHUL, MICHAEL FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lareprechuan
Thank you Franti and Spearhead, You guys are amazing!!! Franti thanks for the hug at the last concert in Richmond; I needed it and you could see that and put yourself out there. Much respect, your talent is heaven sent.
Lee Martin
Bro, he dis the same to me at a concert and i think he aaw i needed it too, what an awesome human hey
jungian9111
Absolutely love this guy! His ability to convey simple truths about equality rocks :)
Peter Bryan
Thanks for this gem Michael
CanadianMade1983
I get chills listening to this...
Yash Shukla
Beautiful as always
HateOn Skillz318
Some of us that are born have higher frequencies we walk through this world to a different rythm. There are certain songs about life and just being alive, they dont need to be about money, drugs, violence they just need to have a sound and words that touch your soul and excite all that is good with this life and world we live in thanks again for creating good music
Matija Petrinjak
beautiful
Leif Vernest
One of the best songs ever - I want to use it to make a video for our farm animal sanctuary..
Julie T
Listening to this for my Trauma in the Arts class.