This blog is usually devoted to philosophy (especially philosophy of religion, ethics and political philosophy), theology and biblical studies, and my thoughts on social issues. But it’s my blog, and in theory I can say whatever I like. Like right now.
I was absolutely gutted this morning to find out that one of my favourite musicians and songwriters, Gary Moore died this weekend. I didn’t expect that. Born in Belfast in 1952, Gary played in Skid Row at just sixteen years old, then Thin Lizzy, going on to have a career as one of the most underrated musicians in the contemporary scene. He was fifty-eight years old and still performing at the top of his game – way too young to die. He collaborated with some of the greats in blues guitar: Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, B B King and others, but his own playing was unmatched in his genre. There’s nobody to fill these shoes.
I feel like I’ve lost a friend.
Rest in peace
(In fairness, I should have also marked the passing of Ronnie James Dio last year, but did not.)
I grew up with Howard Morrison on TV. My parents were (and are, I assume) big fans. He was easily one of the biggest icons in New Zealand entertainment – one of our original Rock n Rollers (part of the Howard Morrison Quartet), a person very hard not to like, a person passionate for the good of others, and always the perfect gentleman.
What is it with good people dying this year? Don’t you ever wish that there could be exceptions?
I apologise in advance for the very 80s looking video, but the theme of this song is perfect for 4th of July celebrations. The song is “Independence Day” by Whiteheart.
Here are the lyrics:
Listen to our declaration
Listen to our testament
We’ve been given a revelation
We’re sure of where we stand
So let the banner
Be unfurled
We found a Light of hope
In a dying world
Hear the myth of modern man
You’re the god of your own land
Call your weak spineless fools
You’ve given up your right to rule
But I’ve been to the land of me
And I know I was never free
Freedom came
When I gave it all away
So we’re callin’ it Independence Day
I call it Independence Day
Let the rockets blaze across the sky
Raise the flag of praise way up high
Let the doubters call it what they may
It’s Independence Day
You can work to crown another hundred kings
But I believe in a better dream
They may call it slavery
But the biggest chain I knew was me
So let the idols tumble down
The walls of lies crumble to the ground
I know where salvation can be found
Let the idols tumble down
That’s why they call it Independence Day
I call it Independence Day
Let the rockets blaze across the sky
Raise the flag of praise way up high
Let the doubters call it what they may
It’s Independence Day
So join in the celebration
It’s a birth of a holy nation
It’s people alike
We are proud to say
It’s why we call it Independence Day
I call it Independence Day
Let the doubters call it what they may
‘Cause we call it Independence Day
Part 2 of the podcast series on philosophy of mind is well underway, and it’s shaping up to be an interesting series (for me, at any rate!).
In the meantime I wanted to share something with you purely for the sake of comic relief. I discovered this a few days ago (thanks Stacey!). My kids love it, and I have to confess to finding it thoroughly amusing. Enjoy!
This blog is usually devoted to philosophy (especially philosophy of religion, ethics and political philosophy), theology and biblical studies, and my thoughts on social issues. But it’s my blog, and in theory I can say whatever I like. Like right now.
