Warmest Greetings
I just recently heard of Roy Zimmerman for the first time. Once again I am moved with the diversity of ways in which human beings tap into their creativity, their hearts, their gifts to in some way bestow blessing upon humanity. The below is just a glimpse into what I have found. It is powerful for me to note a common theme in this man's music: the use of satire to largely focus in some way upon the impact of an underdeveloped experience of compassion and consciousness. Roy Zimmerman's songs demonstrate how that lack of heartfelt awareness finds fertile ground in individuals, communities and nations, which then surfaces in "war, ignorance, and greed." Yet, Roy Zimmerman does not despair. With a smile and a wink and a nod - and a beautiful heartfelt smile - this artist's brilliant use of humor and satire makes looking at the paradoxes and shadows of ourselves palatable and possible.
Isn't it amazing the many forms that paths of the heart can take? And isn't it amazing how many beautiful faces a big heart can wear? Rooted in these eyes that twinkle, and songs that use laughter to illuminate and move us into greater awareness, are Roy Zimmerman's tireless efforts to work toward creating a more caring, kind, and compassionate world. I thank Roy Zimmerman for his form of Spiritual Satire which, I believe, seeks to grow the heart of humanity...
Peace & blessings ~ Molly
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From http://www.royzimmerman.com/bio.html:
What's funny about war, poverty, ignorance, bigotry, neo-conservatism, homophobia, greed, lust and fear? Ask Roy Zimmerman. He's been writing satirical songs for twenty years.
"There's nothing funny about World Peace," Roy observes. "Social Justice never killed at The Comedy Store. If we ever attain a worldwide consciousness of peace and justice, I'll be happily out of a job. But as long as power corrupts, I'll absolutely have a career."
Zimmerman's fourth CD is a Holiday offering called PeaceNick. It's Lefty, Pacifist, Humanist satire celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace in a time of pre-emptive war. The disc takes a snipe at militaristic merchandising with "Buy War Toys for Christmas," and thumbs its nose at the War on Christmas - an absurd notion promoted by Bill O'Reilly and his ilk - with the Happy Holidays song "Christma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwanzaa." The Dylan-esque "Christmas is Pain," another Zimmerman classic in the mold of another Zimmerman, receives wide airplay every Holiday Season.
Songs:
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYyt4nyaq64: "Sarah Pale In Comparison".
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyE5wjc4XOw&feature=channel: "Jerry Falwell's God".
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIwiPsgRrOs: "Creation Science 101".
From http://www.youtube.com/royzimmerman: "Thanks For the Support" and others.
Roy Zimmerman's MySpace: MySpace.com - Roy Zimmerman - www.myspace.com/royzimmerman.
From Roy Zimmerman's Newsletter at http://www.royzimmerman.com/news/110308/basic.html: "... And I think about the tiny, simple world they've wedged between two leather covers, and I stop laughing altogether. Because these are the people Karl Rove jerks around. These are the people who vote against their own economic interests, against their own workplace safety, against the real security of the country they love, just so gay people can't get married. These are people who accept things on faith - things like, "Barack Obama is a Muslim," and "Sarah Palin is a reformer" and that there's a "Pro-Abortion Movement" in America... I suspect that my funny songs wouldn't change their way of thinking, but that doesn't make them my enemies. My enemies are the powerful people who exploit the simple desire to have simple answers."
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"Compassion is that singular quality of heart that has the power to transform resentment into forgiveness, hatred into friendliness, anger into loving-kindness. It is that most precious quality of our being that allows us to extend warmth, sensitivity, and openness to the world around us and to ourselves rather than being burdened by prejudice, hostility, and resistance. It is a quality far more profound than pity. It is a deep, heartfelt caring for the dignity, well-being, and integrity of every single life in our world - from the smallest creature to the most powerful person." ~ Jack Kornfield & Christina Feldman, Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart
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