Thoughts & Prayers (updated vocals & drums and added Organ and Wurlitzer)

Inspired by “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, 1883.
Copyright 2025

They got on boats, and they sailed across the ocean hoping for a better life
They left behind poverty, famine, hardship and strife
She lifted her lamp behind the golden door
She welcomed them with open arms 
But we don’t need those people any more 
We’ll use robots to tend our farms
There’s an angry mob wearing red caps
And they’re pulling on a rope
They’re trying to knock down that statue that gave so many people hope.
They say a rising tide lifts all boats but now it’s every nation for itself
As the billionaires and oligarchs accumulate more wealth
We’re all just living on this rock floating in the vastness of space
You’d think we’d find a way to co-exist as one human race
There’s an angry mob wearing red caps
And they’re pulling on a rope
They’re trying to knock down that statue that gave so many people hope.
Someday if you’re standing there waiting at the pearly gates
With a bunch of other people waiting in line to get into heaven
And you’re filling out God’s paperwork so you can immigrate 
How will answer that question did you love or did you hate 
There are people who call themselves Christians who don’t practice what they preach
They see a man whose down on his luck, and they consider him a human leech
There’s an angry mob wearing red caps
And they’re pulling on a rope
They’re trying to knock down that statue that gave so many people hope.
There’s an angry mob wearing red caps
And they’re pulling on a rope
They’re trying to knock down that statue that gave so many people hope.

Angry Mob Wearing Red Caps

I decided to take another stab at creating a hopefully better sounding version of this song,  as it seems the message is relevant in these troubled times.  

I hope that heaven is a place where everyone can share the same space and  liberals and conservatives can exist in perfect harmony. Cause if you live a good life and you seal the deal and you end up in heaven how are you going to feel, if  when you get there there’s people who want to argue with you about politics
***
Why can’t we all just all get along
Why can’t we live and let be
Why can’t we all just all mind our own business
And agree to disagree
***
Will you let it go or will you keep on fighting even after your first Saint Peter sighting, or will you check the TV to see if there’s CNN or Fox News in Heaven. They had to pry your gun from your cold dead hand but now that you’re a soul in a spiritual land, will you still demand your second amendment rights to protect yourself in heaven.
***
Why can’t we all just all get along
Why can’t we live and let be
Why can’t we all just all mind our own business
And agree to disagree
*****
I hope that in in heaven you can eat real steak with a bunch of vegans eating meat that’s fake, as you pose for a photo with Jesus trying to re-enact that painting of the last supper.
If you bump into that undocumented guy who you sent back to his country will you look him in the eye. Will you tell he’s not welcome in the United States part of heaven?
***
All these people with extreme positions shouting to their hearts content
Like demented performance artists in a circus tent
They can try to push our buttons be we don’t have to let them
They can invite us to their party but we don’t have to show up.
***
Why can’t we all just all get along
Why can’t we live and let be
Why can’t we all just all mind our own business
And agree to disagree

Heaven 2025

Feeling bummed that I had to write this.
****
Music , lyrics and vocals Joe Stroffolino
Copyright 2025
Instruments:
Organ:  Playing Midi Keyboard with Logic Pro Grand Organ
Wurlitzer (keys):  Playing Midi Keyboard with Logic Pro Wurlitzer Classic
Guitars and Bass: PG music real tracks
Drums:  EZ Drummer 3
***
Lyrics: 
Another shooting in the news, it made you sad and angry
You couldn’t get the images out of your head
You thought you’d get involved and maybe protest or send some money
But you’re sending out your thoughts and prayers instead

We’ll clean up the broken glass, allow more time to pass
And the next time it happens; we’ll just send out more thoughts and prayers again
We’ll wipe up the blood from the floor, say we can’t take it anymore
Thoughts and prayers are free; there’s no skin in the game for you and me

The images they really got you very angry
You tell yourself it’s time to stand and fight
Then you drink a few beers, and you binge watch all night on Netflix
And the next day everything feels all right

Sitting in your easy chair, sending out a thought and prayer, thinking maybe you should do more
But you’re just a cog in the machine, besides the world is cruel and mean
And really, it’s just easier to ignore

Thoughts and prayers, blowing a bunch of hot air
Maybe someday you’ll turn your platitudes into action
You go about you’re your busy day, hoping there’s a better way
but you spin your wheels and don't get any traction

Thoughts & Prayers

Songs with a twinge of humor (and some a bit more serious).  
I do not use AI to create my songs. 
Recently I have had the urge to pick up my guitars (Taylor 114ce and Fender Squire) and I have been trying to use more guitar in my songs.  
My go to .vst plug ins are  EZkeys 2, EZ Bass and  EZ drummer 3) and my DAW is Logic Pro 11. 
I welcome your comments and enjoy listening to all the great music on SoundCloud. 
All songs are originals and copyrighted.