Reflection

Reflection

I can't remember the first time I heard "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield. I do remember, however, loving the song itself and the message of awareness and resistance that it sends. My inspiration to use this song has been a long time in the making. For a classic folk/rock enthusiast like me who is wildly passionate about the environment, my contest entry reflects two of my biggest interests. “For What It’s Worth” is a song that was incredibly relevant in the 1960s when it was written, and it is still relevant today. It is a song that was written about counterculture, young people speaking up for what they believe in, and the resistance that activists often face. This message could not be more relevant today, especially with regard to climate change and ocean awareness. I specifically wrote my lyrics to pinpoint the issues that I think are the most important and the issues which aren't being addressed: how the economy plays an enormous role in climate decisions and is often prioritized over the health of our planet. Just as the activists in the sixties experienced, the young people on the front lines of activism today are often met with resistance. Social, political, and environmental change is possible, however, as evidenced by the revolutionary efforts of young people in the 1960s and 1970s. Hopefully this song will be "worth" it and will awaken some people to what is “happening here." Enjoy.