In 1986, the band Genesis released the song “Land of Confusion” For many fans, this song ranks on the top of the list of favorite songs by the band. Its lyrics tell a story of the downfall of a nation and the harsh realization of what happens to a nation if its leaders are incompetent. The accompanying music video portrays President Ronald Reagan as inept and incapable. Now, 38 years later, I can’t help but revisit the song and come to the awakening of what is going on in our world now. I have copied the lyrics down and wrote my own interpretation of the lyrics to correlate to the current events.
“I must've dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can hear the marching feet
They're moving into the street
Now did you read the news today?
They say the danger's gone away
But I can see the fire's still alight
They're burning into the night”
In this verse, I can’t help but think about the riots and senseless acts of violence that happened during COVID. Many lives were lost. Law enforcement officers were wounded. Businesses were destroyed and innocent bystanders were caught in the midst of it. One officer's bad decision shouldn't mean that all cops are bad. The media didn’t exactly help. Instead, it fueled the fire of hatred that caused Americans to turn on the figures of authority, and even each other.
“There's too many men, too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go 'round
Can't you see this is a land of confusion?”
In the pre-chorus, it brings to light the truth of the political climate today. Authority figures in government have taken it upon themselves to make the decisions of the American people, seldom taking our feelings or situations into account. Their decisions hint strongly of a Communist regime and the fear of a Socialist empire.
"Oh, Superman, where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow?
The men of steel, the men of power
Are losing control by the hour
This is the time, this is the place
So we look for the future
But there's not much love to go 'round
Tell me why this is a land of confusion"
Certain leaders of a certain political party have lost control. They want to act tough, they want to act like they are the party of acceptance and tolerance, but the minute you bring up the unfair treatment that is going on in the world today, you are shunned and scared into silence.
"I remember long ago
Oh, when the sun was shining
Yes, and the stars were bright all through the night
And the sound of your laughter as I held you tight
So long ago
I won't be coming home tonight
My generation will put it right
We're not just making promises
That we know we'll never keep"
Personally, I empathize with the people who don’t want to vote or use their voices to speak out. I can feel their hopelessness, their anger, their agitation. It will take a generation of young adults who have grown up among this madness to make a change. People need to open their eyes to the truth.
"This is the world we live in (oh, oh, oh)
And these are the hands we're given (oh, oh, oh)
Use them and let's start trying (oh, oh, oh)
To make it a place worth living in
Now this is the world we live in
And these are the hands we're given
Use them and let's start trying
To make it a place worth fighting for
This is the world we live in
And these are the names we're given
Stand up and let's start showing
Just where our lives are going to"
The words of the chorus bring everything to a close so perfectly. Whether we like it or not, this is indeed, the world we live in. The damage has been done. We are given one life. We are given a voice. We are given our ability to use those things to take back America. No matter what anyone tells you, you matter. No matter your skin color, gender, financial status or job position. Get up and fight. Use your talents and your abilities to speak out. Do not be scared into silence. There is always hope.
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