A Song for the New Year

Japanese Santa ... maybe a Buddhist?
(Image by John Rachel)   Details   DMCA

Whew! A lot of nastiness out there these days!

At the same time, once we get through the orgy of shopping surrounding the December holidays, we are presented with what is usually the illusion of a restart, a new beginning, initiated on the day we humans have arbitrarily designated as the first day of the New Year. Of course, it does offer that opportunity but only if we choose to make it that way.

Five years ago, I wrote a song appealing for some modicum of courtesy and tolerance -- i.e. less nastiness -- my attempt to promote civility and hope in an atmosphere of increasing divisiveness, animus, acrimony, and general crankiness. Then my wife joined me in my home studio and we performed the song. It's called "Happy New Year".

I honestly don't think it's naive or asking too much to be kind, or at least respectful, to others, many of whom we disagree with. I offer this song as my holiday greeting card to the world and hope you enjoy it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's a very special time of year
For family and friends holiday cheer
For those no longer with us
We shed a tear
A time to share
A time of feast
A time to care
And pray for peace
A time to give to those
Who have the least

(Chorus)
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Peace be with us
Happy New Year

This is the time to start anew
Atheist Christian Muslim Jew
To reach within
And find the love inside of you
Discard the old seek out the new
Reject the false embrace the true
To look ahead decide
To bring out the best in you

(Chorus)
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Peace be with us
Happy New Year

(Chorus - Japanese)
Akemashite
Omedetoo
Peace be with you
Happy New Year

(Chorus)
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Peace be with you
Happy New Year

Let this new year finally bring peace to the world. May we discover and embrace the understanding needed to live together in genuine and lasting harmony.