Amy Lu's View

I spent the afternoon listening to the Inauguration Playlist (https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/16/politics/joe-biden-inauguration-playlist/index.html).

It has left me humbled, enlightened, confused, slightly critical, and inspired. 

Humbled, because I was unfamiliar with so many songs on the list. Not surprisingly, it was primarily the songs by young and or/artists of color that I didn’t know or didn’t know well. Yes, I know if one looks up “Middle-aged White Lady” in the dictionary the definition will be accompanied by an illustration of me. I know I’m not “hip” but still don’t always appreciate being confronted by that in such a stark way. 

Intertwined with humility is feeling enlightened–and not just about music by young or BIOPIC artists. I’m familiar with the Led Zeppelin song on the list (I grew up in rural Wisconsin in the 70’s afterall) but I didn’t know the title was “Fool in the Rain.”

Confused (or perhaps more accurately bemused) as some of the song choices just seem odd. I’m probably thinking too hard about the lyrics, when this playlist is intended to be a feel good, optimistic for at-home inauguration festivities. (I don’t think it’s intended to be an accurate snapshot of the type of music Joe normally listen to–maybe Kamala, but not Joe). But I can’t help but think that “Whatta Man” is supposed to be about Joe Biden…and while that totally works with the chorus, lyrics in the verses get a little strange…especially “And although most men are ho’s, he flows on the down low.”

I also love me some Steely Dan, and the song “Do It Again” is certainly groovy, but the lyrics are definitely dark (“And the mourners are all singin’ as they drag you by your feet

But the hangman isn’t hangin’ and they put you on the street.”) Maybe we’re just supposed to focus on the title and think about electing a Democrat again in 2024.  

Slightly critical, and only slightly, because really, I don’t want to be a hater here, but I’m just not going to approve of a Hall and Oates song (“You Make My Dreams Come True.”) I know, this is a controversial stand, and maybe someday I’ll have a conversion and finally appreciate the wonder of H&O, but I’m not that yet.

I do also wish there was a Country and/or Americana song or two on the playlist. Not only do I like the genre, I do think it would further the goal of inclusivity–and hey, not all Country fans are MAGA peeps. And isn’t Dolly Parton the only thing we can all agree on as a country?

But oh, I am inspired in so many ways. Inspired to learn more about the artists that are new to me. I’m inspired by the positivity of the music itself–sometimes the literal message of the lyrics, sometimes the feeling of the music, and sometimes both. Most importantly, inspired by the vision of America this playlist represents–diverse and optimistic. 

Our Chamy inauguration “party” is probably going to look pretty much like most Wednesdays do for us–Chad will have Geek Night (role playing gaming, online in the pandemic world) and I will drink too much and blog.

But I’ll be listening to the playlist in the days leading up to and following the inauguration, and it will help me feel connected to something bigger than our little NE Minneapolis enclave.