Wednesday, June 21, 2017

The "What” and “Why” of Fighting by The Federal Empire and Fast Romantics

     The Federal Empire have a 1970s-style protest song that includes a background chant, a pair of audio snippets, and a chorus that is destined to steal the show for any concert featuring the band. “What Are We Fighting For” even quotes Mohandas Gandhi’s non-retaliatory philosophy: “An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.”

     The core members of The Federal Empire are Chad Wolf and McKay Stevens, with Keith Varon also playing an important role. They are based in Los Angeles. Quoting their content on SubmitHub:
  "This new single is very special to the band and comes at a time when it is needed most amidst the political conflict. The song asks the question 'What Are We Fighting For' and poses some possible answers to that question that seem relevant in the world today 'money, religion, or power.' It explores the negative impact of war with lyrics like 'an eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind.' But it also tells a story of those affected by war 'mothers are crying, watching their children die in vain.' There have been so many terror attacks and wars around the world and we are fighting for peace and hope through music that can bring Unity and Love. The One Love Manchester concert on Sunday was a perfect example. Chad and McKay sing with gang vocals in the chorus of the song to express unity and the belief that music can break down barriers and bring people together better than anything else. The goal is to share the anthem and have thousands singing along with them at live festivals this summer that they are playing."

     “What Are We Fighting For” by The Federal Empire


Lyrics of “What Are We Fighting For” by The Federal Empire
[Audio snippet]
This isn’t a game, yeah
When mothers are crying
Watching their children die in vain

I’m praying for peace now
I saw all the conflict
Somehow there’s got to be a change

No one wins when people die
Doesn’t matter which side
Love will never make it out alive

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
Money, religion, or power all the time
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no

The price of our freedom
Is blood in the water
We’re looking for hope, what will it take

We keep on repeating
The fate of our fathers
Somehow there’s got to be a change

No one wins when people die
Doesn’t matter which side
Love will never make it out alive

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
Money, religion, or power all the time
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no

[Audio snippet]

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
An eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no

What are we fighting for
I don't know why
Money, religion, or power all the time
What are we fighting for
I don’t know why, no
     “Why We Fight” is not a response to the above song. It’s a Bruce Springsteen-style, reality-based anthem to a relationship.  

     Fast Romantics are Matthew Angus (vocals), Jeffrey Lewis (bass), Kirty (vocals, acoustic guitar, synth), Kevin Black (guitars), Lisa Lorenz (keyboards) and Nick McKinlay (drums). 
      “Why We Fight” by Fast Romantics


Lyrics of “Why We Fight” by Fast Romantics
Although I couldn't afford it
I bought a beat up guitar
I worked ’til four in the mornin'
In a broken down bar

This is why we fight
This is why we fight

I know we're all out of money
Don't let the billionaires win
We ain't got much, but we're hungry
It's burning under our skin

This is why we fight
This is why we fight

Oh, come on darlin'
There's a war on our TV
But its alright!
In our bedrooms we are free
Deep in the guts of me
I love you violently
Until the dawn's early light

This is why we fight
This is why we fight

Come put your hand on my heartbeat
There is a marching band in me
It sings a national anthem
For an island in the sea
Where everybody's somebody
Where everybody’s gone free
This is why we fight

Now every morning when I wake up
I put another bullet in my coffee cup

Oh, come on darlin'
There's a war on our TV
But its alright!
In our bedrooms we are free
deep in the guts of me
I love you violently
Until the dawn's early light

This is why we fight
This is why we fight
This is why we fight
This is why we fight


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