Like the great groups that have come before, such as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, they have learned from the best and taken the art form to new levels.
Their interests are rooted in jazz, but often Brazilian, R&B, classical, and pop influences are included with equal creativity and authenticity.
National Amnesia
New York Voices Lyrics
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On Main Street, children lost and alone again
Don't tell, I can't handle no more bad news
(I don't want to know)
Apartheid: people long for equality
We all hide in our separate societies
Don't tell me I can't take no, no more blues
National Amnesia
'Cause I don't really wanna see
What's going on around us here
It's so clear that it don't apply to me
The truth is often frightening
But one thing should be understood:
To live in the clouds with your head in the sand is no good
They're starving, but they're so very far away
We'll survive, and besides, I've got bills to pay
Babies holding out their dirty hands
(I don't want to know)
Collusion: just make sure that the story's clear
Disillusion: give them just what they wanna hear
Confusion all across the world
(What are we gonna do?)
National Amnesia
'Cause I don't really wanna see
What's going on around us here
It's so clear that it don't apply to me
The truth is often frightening
But one thing should be understood:
To live in the clouds with your head in the sand is no good
Changing times, growing stranger by the year
That's okay, I hear what I wanna hear
Look around and try to take a point of view
Don't you know what goes down turns around and comes back to you?
(I don't want to know)
(What are we gonna do?)
National Amnesia
'Cause I don't really wanna see
What's going on around us here
It's so clear that it don't apply to me
The truth is often frightening
But one thing should be understood:
To live in the clouds with your head in the sand is no good
National Amnesia
Is upon us so what are we gonna do?
The song "National Amnesia" by New York Voices sheds light on the issue of societal apathy towards global problems. The first verse describes the chaos on Wall Street and the plight of children on Main Street, causing the singer to feel overwhelmed with bad news and not wanting to know anymore. The chorus addresses the concept of national amnesia, where people choose to turn a blind eye to the problems happening around them. They don't want to see the truth because it's frightening, and they convince themselves that it doesn't apply to them. The lyrics emphasize that living in denial is not a viable solution and can ultimately do more harm than good.
The second verse touches on the problem of apartheid and the separation of societies. The chorus repeats, urging listeners not to live in the clouds with their heads in the sand. The third verse acknowledges that the world is changing, and things are becoming increasingly strange. The singer suggests that people need to take a step back and try to see things from different perspectives. The chorus ends with a call to action, acknowledging that national amnesia is a real issue and asking what we're going to do about it.
Overall, "National Amnesia" is a powerful commentary on the importance of awareness, responsibility, and action. The song urges us to recognize the problems happening in the world around us and to take action instead of living in denial. It's a call to break down societal barriers and work towards a better future for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
On Wall Street, it's been sheer pandemonium
The situation on Wall Street has been chaotic and uncontrollable
On Main Street, children lost and alone again
Children on Main Street are isolated and helpless
Don't tell, I can't handle no more bad news
I'm not willing to hear any more negative news
Apartheid: people long for equality
People desire equality and an end to apartheid
We all hide in our separate societies
We are isolated and divided in our communities
Don't tell me I can't take no, no more blues
I can't handle any more disappointments or hardships
National Amnesia
Society as a whole is forgetting important issues and events
'Cause I don't really wanna see
I'm avoiding facing reality
What's going on around us here
I'm ignorant of current events
It's so clear that it don't apply to me
I don't feel personally affected by the issues at hand
The truth is often frightening
The reality of the situation can be scary
But one thing should be understood:
One should realize that
To live in the clouds with your head in the sand is no good
It's not beneficial to be uninformed and avoid reality
They're starving, but they're so very far away
People are suffering from hunger, but they are distant from us
We'll survive, and besides, I've got bills to pay
We will manage to survive and prioritize personal finances over global issues
Babies holding out their dirty hands
Young children are in need and requesting help
Collusion: just make sure that the story's clear
Ensure that the narrative is well-constructed for purposes like collusion
Disillusion: give them just what they wanna hear
Only provide information that supports one's biases and beliefs
Confusion all across the world
There is widespread uncertainty and bewilderment
'Cause I don't really wanna see
I prefer not to acknowledge the truth
Changing times, growing stranger by the year
Times are changing and becoming more unfamiliar with each passing year
That's okay, I hear what I wanna hear
It's acceptable because I only listen to things that align with my view
Look around and try to take a point of view
Observe the world and gain a different perspective
Don't you know what goes down turns around and comes back to you?
The outcomes of global issues eventually have an impact on individuals
National Amnesia
Society as a whole is forgetting important issues and events
Is upon us so what are we gonna do?
We must address this issue and take action
Contributed by Chloe H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.