Song Release (Cover): Black Boys on Mopeds (432 Hz)

Harnessing some Sinead O'Connor energy in 2023

Please consider listening here instead of on YouTube: https://rumble.com/v23puti-black-boys-on-mopeds-cover-432-hz.html. I will soon be transferring all content to Rumble, but it doesn’t yet play well with Substack (i.e., I can’t embed a Rumble video image).

Sinead O’Connor’s willingness to address taboo issues and refusal to play by society’s imposed rules is legendary, and these traits are invaluable during modern times. As we watch with incredulity as the masses are continually fooled by widespread propaganda, I have deep reverence for anybody who is willing to speak out about what is becoming blaringly obvious, despite the social impact it will have.

Sinead intimately understands what it’s like to be attacked for personal beliefs and vilified for speaking truth. She became a victim of cancel culture before it was a thing.

I recently came across the bold statement she made about the Pope on Saturday Night Live in 1990, for which she was immediately shamed and defamed. I recall reading headlines about it when it occurred but was too young to comprehend the context at the time.

Sinead was specifically referring to allegations of pedophilia within the papacy and also made a statement about the never-ending wars humanity is faced with. During the SNL performance, she gave a stunning acapella version of Bob Marley’s song, War, and closed with this:

“We have confidence in the victory of good over evil.”

(Tears into pieces a photo of the Pope)

“Fight the real enemy.”

(Tosses the pieces into the audience)

Clearly, her message is still acutely applicable.

Stumbling upon her epic performance again was quite inspiring and I was reminded of another song of hers I discovered back in 2019.

The song, Black Boys on Mopeds, had pulled at my heartstrings and I listened to it incessantly for a month or two like I do most songs that capture my attention.

Fast forward 3+ years and I’m now seeing its lyrical message with an enhanced perspective.

First, she is clearly speaking out against police brutality, which history has proven is a persistently concerning issue. Our justice system, like all other societal structures, is corrupt and rotten from the inside out. For the record, I don’t support the Defund the Police movement, nor do I believe for a second that brutality incidents are accurately or honestly reported in corporate media. But, the unnecessary deaths of two young boys in the UK that were caused by an unfounded police chase required admonishment and accountability and Sinead stepped up to the plate.

She is also illuminating the blatant hypocrisy displayed by Margaret Thatcher and other governmental leaders who give lip service to traumatic events yet perpetuate the same behind closed doors.

And, most profound to me at this time in life, she speaks about the need to extricate herself from the madness - to leave - for the sake of her son.

When I first listened to this song in 2019, the lyric “If they hated me, they will hate you” didn’t quite resonate. It came across as a bit severe, and I didn’t understand her choice of words.

I am now able to extrapolate a meaning. Sinead’s boldness and willingness to publicly address the dark undercurrents of society - that which we are not allowed to speak about - did not enhance her popularity. Rather, she found herself largely ostracized, her music career forever changed. This treatment inevitably extended to her son, so, for his sake, she chose to leave (the specifics of what “leaving” actually meant to her are unclear).

I can relate. Over the past several years, many of us have been compelled to uproot our families and seek out calmer waters in the best interests of our children (and ourselves). These relocations have facilitated an energetic expansion that allows us to ultimately serve in the most significant way. Others are destined to stay and anchor the light in the darkest of locations. It is the Great Migration, and we are all finding our place.

I am grateful to now live in an area where, although of course ideological differences do exist, related dialogue is permitted and welcomed. The soon to be obsolete red/blue divide is alive and well here; the perception that Northern Idaho is completely right wing is a myth. I live in the most liberal city in this part of the state. This was an intentional choice, as I am not interested in living within an echo chamber, nor do I identify as either right or left wing. I’m done with labels. But here, although there is a frustrating amount of political tension, all views are accepted; shunning is not the norm.

A community that can engage in discourse about such important topics, without persecution, is a healthy one.

When I recently stumbled upon this song again it spoke to me so deeply I was compelled to cover it.

Whatever your opinion of O’Connor and her work, she is undeniably full of passion and love for humanity, is brave beyond measure, and embodies an essence that is much needed during these tumultuous, transformative times.

What’s happening with Sinead now? Here is an interview from two years ago. Her transparency, honesty, and commitment to drawing closer to God are in stark contrast to modern pop culture. And she exudes humility and grace. What if all musicians were so convicted and unwilling to sell out?

She is truly a badass.

I’m not saying I agree with all of her perspectives about the world - I don’t - but that is far from the point. What I respect about her is her clear pursuit of following her heart and staying in alignment with her soul’s mission.

And she creates breathtakingly beautiful music.

As I steadily get more comfortable with the vulnerability of sharing my heart and speaking my own uncensored truth, I will endeavor to be more like Sinead: brave in the face of fear and steadfast.

Indeed, we have confidence in the victory of good over evil.

Blessings in 2023. May this be a year of enhanced peace, healing, and awakening for all.

With love,

Mikkel

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