A Musical Tribute to Earth Day 2010

There have been many songs released over the years by various artists attempting to draw attention to environmental issues. If asked, I would place the songs listed below at the top of my list. Unlike some songs which contain one or two lines pertaining to the environment in passing the songs I've chosen have lyrics that are entirely about environmental issues, which is a main criteria for me when creating a play list that celebrates Earth Day. I also think an Earth Day tribute should not only contain songs that sound good and speak of the damage we are causing the environment but also should include songs that inspire us to be part of the solution.

Black Moon by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Clear Blue Skies by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Death of Mother Nature Suite by Kansas challenge us to take action to protect the planet. Something most of us refuse to do instead preferring to accept things as they are in order to hold on to our lethal luxuries and lazy attitudes.

John Mayall's Nature's Disappearing takes an honest look at the environmental issues facing the world placing the blame exactly where it belongs. On us! For too long we have carelessly disposed of our trash, filled the air we breath we noxious gases and abused the precious water filling our oceans, rivers and lakes.

Every Earth Day compilation should contain The One World by John Denver and Good Planets Are Hard to Find by Steve Forbert as both songs are stark reminders that if we continue to pollute our environment finding clear blue skies and green pastures in the future may not be so easy.

Earth Day Every Day by John Denver, Pollution by Tom Lehrer and Peace on Earth Mother Earth by Carlos Santana are also good choices when creating a playlist dedicated to Earth Day.

If This World Survives by Pete Seeger sits at the top of my playlist. The first four lines of the song say it all for me, "If this world survives, And every other day I think it might, In good part it will be, Because of the great souls in our community." The survival of our planet requires we all step up and get involved. We all need to pitch in so others can enjoy a picture perfect landscape beneath clear blue skies until the end of time.