Love is the answer. 4 songs on Popsical to uplift us in our battle against Coronavirus.

 On 31st December 2019,  a new virus strain, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has not been previously identified in humans was first reported in Wuhan, China.  Since then, it has infected over 43,104 people worldwide and resulted in the deaths of over 1000 people, prompting fear and panic from many quarters. The fast-moving virus has become a global pandemic prompting authorities worldwide to impose immigration bans on incoming Chinese citizens, and also, unfortunately triggered a lack of empathy and racist behaviour from some. With new infection cases reported daily coupled with the uncertainty of whether a vaccine can be developed soon to curtail its spread, it's no wonder if you too, may have been feeling gloomier than usual. Well, we feel ya!

But hey, this Valentines Day, we decided it’s important to acknowledge that love for one and all -is the underrated cure to many of the ills we face. If we reach out with empathy and stand united as a people, we’re certain we can find a cure to this, and like many other battles before this, we will stand triumphant.  Here are 4 songs from our ‘Love is the Answer’ playlist on Popsical that we hope will uplift your spirits, and remind us to reach out with love.

Where is the love? - Black Eyed Peas

Something we're asking ourselves all the time, and especially now - when this viral outbreak has seen many rear their ugly side – from grocery hoarding prompted by baseless fears of a modern-day 'zombie apocalypse’, to unkind remarks made by many of the Chinese and their lifestyles. Racial prejudice and lack of empathy has blinded us to the fact that this epidemic - has affected millions of families and that global unity and love is the only way to go forward, to defeat this, just like how we have done in the past. This classic by the Black Eyed Peas - is both timeless and timely, and resonates deeply too with Joaquin Phoenix's recent powerful Oscar acceptance speech of the ‘Best Actor Awards’ for his performance in Joker (watch it here) where he reminds us - "Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow". 

And that's exactly how anger works and operates
Man, you gotta have love, this'll set us straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all

Black or White – Michael Jackson

Another song that really hits home when we’re talking about racism and the need to look beyond colour is another evergreen hit ‘Black or White’, by everyone’s favourite artiste, Michael Jackson. Here are some of our favourite lyrics from this classic:

Protection
For gangs, clubs, and nations
Causing grief in human relations
It's a turf war on a global scale
I'd rather hear both sides of the tale
See, it's not about races
Just places, faces
Where your blood comes from
Is were your space is
I've seen the bright get duller
I'm not going to spend my life being a color

But, if you're thinking about my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white

I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother
It don't matter if you're black or white

I don’t know about you – but I’m pretty sure the virus doesn’t discriminate based on colour. All the more the need to stand together, and combat this together, with empathy and support. We are as strong as our weakest members – and discriminatory behaviour is likely to divide and set us further behind.

“Imagine” - John Lennon

In such trying times, when it’s tempting to point fingers and cast aspersions and blame on certain communities, we believe that it is more important to take the higher road. Music has that magical ability to remind us of the magnitude of the human spirit, and the importance of striving for a better tomorrow with faith and unity. One of our favourites is ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon.  Let the lyrics of Yoko Ono in ‘Imagine’ remind us of how the world ought to be – peaceful, united and free of discrimination.

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You, you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You, you may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will live as one

Somewhere over the Rainbow – Michael Bolton and Paula Fernandes

Here’s another upbeat and uplifting number you can duet to with your significant other, to chase the blues away! This beautiful cover of ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ by the Michael Bolton and Paula Fernandes (originally sung by Judy Garland, of course) is one of our favourites. It speaks of an aspirational place where everything is perfect as symbolised by blue skies, rainbows, birds flying high, and a place where all dreams that you dare to dream of, do come true.

Immerse yourself in this song by singing to it with your special one, or just close your eyes, switch the Vocals ‘On’ on Popsical, and let their sultry voices serenade you away to this dream place even if it’s just for a while.

We hope you enjoyed our picks above! Do check out the rest of the songs in our ‘Love is the answer’ playlist on Popsical.

We hope that more of us will embark on the higher road and choose kindness and love in supporting one another and collectively, elevating humanity. After all, as Michael Jackson reminds us, “If you want to make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.”

Happy Valentine’s Day, and here’s to choosing love today and every day ahead.