Lyrics

I’d much rather listen to an artist sing about something they truly believe—something Badru excels at—than endure yet another generic love song, even if the lyrics don’t speak directly to me. I’m about to turn 60, and it’s clear that these lyrics weren’t written for someone like me. Despite that, I couldn’t help but reflect on musical memories from my younger years.

(Enter a gritty cinematic flashback of the 1980s underground punk movement)

In 1983, after graduating from high school, I got into hardcore punk. The bands in that scene had a notorious reputation for debauchery and cynicism, which I embraced to an embarrassing degree. Yet, there was a movement within that scene promoting positivity and unity. One key band in that movement was 7 Seconds (more around ’85), and I remember reacting negatively to their optimistic lyrics. Even back then, I was suspicious of strangers singing about unity and positivity. Of course, I guess that says more about me than it does about Aisha Badru—or Kevin Seconds.

Badru’s lyrics are relentlessly positive, encouraging listeners to live in the present, express gratitude, and embrace similar themes. I commend her for tackling serious and timely topics with such optimism. This world could sure as hell use a little more positivity……