"No more turning away From the weak and the weary No more turning away From the coldness inside Just a world that we all must share It's not enough just to stand and stare Is it only a dream that there'll be No more turning away?"
Thirty-seven years after the release of this song and it feels like its more relevant now than it was then. I had such high hopes that I would see us getting closer to this idea in my lifetime but I'm sad to report I believe we are currently headed in the opposite direction.
This just seems like the most appropriate song for today, which is Thanksgiving Day in 2024.
This is off of A Momentary Lapse of Reason which was the first Pink Floyd album released without Roger Waters. It was also released in 1987 when I was in the height of my obsession with Pink Floyd at the tender age of 16 going on 17. Technically it wasn't the first album after the release of The Wall, but I consider it to be (I never really liked The Final Cut).
I was immediately in love with this album, and I do consider it a "Perfect Album".
Unfortunately, this song is just as relevant today if not more so than in 1987, 37 years ago. I know a lot of the intent originally was at the political level and how countries turned blind eyes to suffering in the world, but I always considered it more a rallying cry for the homeless, those less fortunate in life than myself. When I hear this song I think of the ol' rallying cry: "Think global, act local".
Shannon and I have done our part over the years to donate food, money, necessities, time and most importantly to try and help our sons understand not everyone in life has the same positive experiences that they have had. That it is their responsibility to help people in need. I believe I can proudly say that they do.
It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving Day 2024 to read and understand this song and what you can personally do for others.
So here's to you, "F" apathy!
P.S. I cannot talk about this song without telling this story. I've mentioned Aaron, my best friend in high school before. Aaron drove this car, which in 1987, was pretty awesome. I don't remember the year of his, but it was this exact color and body style.
As idiotic music lovers do, you take liberties with lyrics sometimes. I have to believe that Aaron and I are not the only ones.
Trust me when I say we would belt out this line with a slight variation:
On the wings of the night As the daytime is stirring Where the speechless unite in a silent accordHonda Accord!
On the Turning Away Pink Floyd
On the turning away From the pale and downtrodden And the words they say Which we won't understand
Don't accept that what's happening Is just a case of others' suffering Or you'll find that you're joining in The turning away
It's a sin that somehow Light is changing to shadow And casting its shroud Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown Driven on by a heart of stone We could find that we're all alone In the dream of the proud
On the wings of the night As the daytime is stirring Where the speechless unite in a silent accord
Using words, you will find, are strange Mesmerised as they light the flame Feel the new wind of change On the wings of the night
No more turning away From the weak and the weary No more turning away From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share It's not enough just to stand and stare Is it only a dream that there'll be No more turning away?
Ghost of a Chance 