If you don’t know Playing For Change, you’re in for a treat. Featuring dozens of amazing artists from around the world – some names you’ll know, most you won’t, but no matter, that’s part of the point. Here’s an introduction, featuring cameos from original Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons (plus long-time member John McFee) on one of the band’s top hits.
PFC was born in 2002, so don’t ascribe it to current conditions. The movement was created “to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.” And what music!
There’s a charitable foundation and membership involved, but mostly incredible artists playing incredible songs, individually and collectively (the PFC band also tours). Artists like Jimmy Buffet, David Crosby, Ringo, Bono, and Buddy Guy have participated, but mostly you’ll discover under-the-radar talent you’ve never heard of, hailing from all corners of the globe – often all on one song – like this one.
So, stay tuned for more incredible performances, we’ll dip into this well again, but for now, just “Listen to the Music,” and permission granted to sing along.
– Mike
Lyrics
Don’t you feel it growin’, day by day
People gettin’ ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Oh, we got to let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make ’em smile
It ain’t so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Oh, now mama’s go’n’ to after ‘while
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time
Well I know, you know better
Everything I say
Meet me in the country for a day
We’ll be happy
And we’ll dance
Oh, we’re gonna dance our blues away
And if I’m feelin’ good to you
And you’re feelin’ good to me
There ain’t nothin’ we can’t do or say
Feelin’ good, feeling fine
Oh, baby, let the music play
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time
Like a lazy flowing river
Surrounding castles in the sky
And the crowd is growing bigger
List’nin’ for the happy sounds
And I got to let them fly
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time