My Gen X Playlist: Sing Our Own Song – UB40

I was skeptical of Michelle Obama at first. Maybe because she was guilty by association. I didn’t know much about her at the time, I admit. I must have had been my political blinders on.

I did like her Let’s Move campaign. Childhood obesity is a really big problem. Although obesity rates haven’t decline as a result, I don’t rest the blame at her feet. There’s only so much one person can do. She used her bully pulpit to bring more awareness to this crisis. Me writing about it right now is proof of this.

I find her warm friendship with George W. Bush to be endearing. It just goes to show that political ideology does not have to be a barrier to friendship or open discussion. I’ve noticed people typically become more likable after they leave politics. I’m not ashamed to admit it, I like Michelle Obama now. She’s grown on me. And as extension of that, so has her husband. Look who’s guilty by association now.

I discovered randomly that I disagree with her on a few food preferences, though. There are two foods she doesn’t like that I’m on the opposite side of the fence. The first is beets. I think beets are delicious, plus they are really healthy for you.

According to the USDA, beets are one of the most antioxidant rich vegetables. They are also a great source of potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, and nitrates. According to a recent study, the earthy vegetable may lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and boost athletic endurance.

– healthline

I‘ll admit, it may be an acquired taste. It took me awhile to appreciate them, but now I love them. I hope she gives them another chance.

The second food she dislikes is instant mac and cheese. I get it. It’s not real food. I discovered mac and cheese in college and thought it was heaven. I don’t eat it nowadays, though, only because it’s not the healthiest food. But I do miss eating it. The funny thing is, I’ll eat chips and nacho cheese at sporting events every time I go. Once I got to the game early and watched them pour the can of coagulated cheese sauce in the trough before it was heated up to serve. Gross. Most normal people would’ve jumped out of line and run for the hills after seeing it glop out of the can. Nope, not me. I just added extra jalapeños on top and hoped the hot flames in my mouth would kill off any bad side effects of the processed cheese. Wishful thinking, I know. More like denial.

How did I get on a tangent about cheese?

UB40 came out with the album Rat in the Kitchen in 1986. Of course this came to mind because rats like cheese, right? Or do they?

Don’t get us wrong, rats do eat cheese – it’s filled with protein and fats. But they are not that fond of it. In fact, believe it or not, they do not like the smell. They are much more attracted to nuts, meats, and processed foods such as peanut butter.

– bbpest

What a surprise. All the cartoons with mice and cheese come to mind. I’m sticking with my old reality for today’s song. There is nothing to gain with this new truth in hand.

Although the title song is a good fit, I was just OK on the song. Instead, here is Sing Our Own Song from the album. It’s a much catchier tune.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

The great flood of tears that we've cried
For our brothers and sisters who've died
Over four hundred years
Has washed away our fears
And strengthened our pride
Now we turn back the tide

We will no longer hear your command
We will seize the control from your hand
We will fan the flame
Of our anger and pain
And you'll feel the shame
For what you do in God's name

We will fight for the right to be free
And we will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own song

When the ancient drum rhythms ring
The voice of our forefathers sings
Forward Africa run
Our day of freedom has come
For me and for you
Amandla Awethu

We will fight for the right to be free
And we will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own song

When the ancient drum rhythms ring
The voice of our forefathers sings
Forward Africa run
Our day of freedom has come
For me and for you
Amandla Awethu

We will fight for the right to be free
And we will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own song

We will fight for the right to be free
And we will build our own society
And we will sing, we will sing
We will sing our own song

We'll fight for the right to be free
In our own society
We will sing
Sing our own song

We'll fight for the right to be free
In our own society
We will sing
Sing our own song

We'll fight for the right to be free
In our own society
We will sing
Sing our own song