NPR recently premiered in their Songs We Love segment a powerful piece of protest pop, the creative video for Jenny O.’s “People.” Here’s how they describe the song:
“Jenny O.’s “People,” from her album Peace And Information, is a song written in the midst of a cultural shift that has thrown the Western world into a state of panic. How did this happen? What world are we living in? “People” goes back to the basics with a core message that those in power so quickly and easily forget that they are not superior to those over whom they have power. It is a breath after a crash, a memory test to reorient ourselves.”
Jenny O. breaks down the song’s message like this: “The song is about equality. I was trying to write about racism, authority — how can anyone feel superior to anyone else? When people are protesting for their lives, listen to them. ” Her final point is a poignant one: “Change is a long game, but it begins with dissent and compassion.”
As for the video, NPR paints a pretty accurate picture of what’s going on both sonically and visually: “Animated by Brazilian artist Caco Neves, “People” takes on the style of a classic propaganda film in collage. Jenny O.’s voice floats over warm ’70s mid-tones while photographs from different eras of oppression are cut out and played with, interacting and telling a zoomed-out story of a world desperately clinging to the arc of justice, trying not to fall off.”
The video for “People” is as intriguing as the song is relevant, so check it out.
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 