POTUS’S Farewell: When Music Says It All
Thursday morning, while getting ready for work, I watched Friday Night Lights (for the umpteenth time) on Netflix. Starting from where I left off the night before, I was in the middle of season 3, episode 12, “Underdogs,” with the encouraging development of Dillon’s very own bad girl, Tyra Collette. In this tear-jerking episode, Collette struggles with her college essay, but with some serious self-reflection and the unwavering support of Landry Clark, she produces a powerful (and yes a little bit cheesy) piece.
As I looked in the mirror, applied a second coat of mascara, and listened to Collette’s desires — the main being opportunity — I flashed back (8 years) to my freshman year of college. Unlike Collette, I had already been accepted and that acceptance came with a new wave of eagerness and uncertainty. I had left behind my city, family, friends, twenty-five nearly lifelong classmates, a K-12 Christian education, and eventually three seasons of sports too soon become the musical director of a singing group.
Everything was changing.
I was “on my own,” older, and hopefully going to become wiser.
The fear was real, yet far from paralyzing. I was ready for a new beginning, for opportunity, and for more responsibility. I was ready to vote. In fact, Barack Obama’s campaign for presidency couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
Sure, his Change We Can Believe slogan, and Yes We Can chant were empowering. But more than anything, Obama was my parents’ lectures realized. He was, “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good” in the flesh. He was, “Remember, your A is the equivalent to their B” personified. He was, “We’ve prayed and worked tirelessly so that you can take this world by storm. Know that you have the intelligence, resilience, and compassion to do so,” manifested. As an aspiring journalist and English major analyzing Nella Larsen’s Passing and deciphering Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” he symbolized limitless possibilities. So, as I filled out my absentee ballot in my triple dorm room while listening to John Legend’s Evolver, I scribbled and sang with uncontainable pride.
Now, here we are, two terms later, or dare I say it, at the end.
Obama’s presidency has been quite a whirlwind. He’s led the U.S. through trials and tribulations, refusing defeat, and championed victories: improved the economy (adding nearly 14 million new jobs), reformed healthcare, created a climate change agenda, mended relations between the U.S. and Cuba, brought troops home from war, stood firm against terrorism and gun violence, pushed bipartisan budget and education deals (No Child Left Behind) and legalized same-sex marriage. He’s done his best to remain grounded, to lead with care, confidence, and conviction, all while reminding us that he’s human.
One of Obama’s best attributes is that he’s relatable. It’s undeniably comforting. From singing Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” at the Apollo, to spontaneously leading the congregation in “Amazing Grace” during a eulogy for those slain in the Charleston church shooting, to dropping the mic at his final White House Correspondents Dinner, to serenading audiences alongside Jimmy Fallon, he gets it. He draws you in, causes you to at least crack a smile or shares in your sorrow, but always leaves you feeling heard and inspired. Most often he does so with eloquent speeches. And, sometimes like yesterday, he gives a nod to Victor Hugo who’s said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
A few days after his 55th birthday and months before the end of his reign, Obama is bowing out gracefully with a series of songs — thirty-five to be exact — that essentially say, “Think what you will, my job here is done.”
Beginning with Wale’s “LoveHate Thing” featuring Sam Dew, Obama reminds us of two things: his undying love for Motown and an enviable amount of peace that comes with understanding change and control are not synonymous — we can’t control everything that happens to and around us — and that your success is not measured by others’ opinions. Most recently, we’ve witnessed hints of the latter, like when he brought up the end of his campaign at the State Of The Union Address, but as we get closer to the end, that message is even louder and clear, especially in The President’s 2016 Summer Playlist: Day.
As Leon Bridges sings, “I don’t really know her destination, but I got a feeling I get to be your passenger” in “Smooth Sailing,” one can’t help but think Obama’s subliminally referring to both his career and his leading lady, Michelle. Who knows what’s next for him, but as long as FLOTUS is by his side, it’ll be great. Sure, those errant gray hairs might be more visible, but they’re nothing compared to the perception and clarity he’s garnered over the years, as Courtney Barnett sings in “Elevator Operator.” One thing that will always remain constant in his life, however, is Obama’s devotion to his family. Just picture him mouthing, “Home is whenever I’m with you,” to Sasha and Malia from across their living room.
It’s not outrageous to think he’s had many sleepless nights; countless moments of doubt and despair, particularly as a black man and President of a country that’s viewed black bodies as dispensable for thousands of years. In this year alone — including the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castille — black men, who account for less than 10% of the American population, makeup 40% of all unarmed people killed by police. There’s much to do, as Sara Bareilles sings in “Many the Miles,” and by channeling Janelle’s Monáe’s strength and sincerity in “Tightrope,” Obama assures he’s not just well aware, but ready. He’s only just begun.
That confidence continues for a good twenty-five minutes as you shuffle from Jidenna’s “Classic Man” to Aloe Blacc’s “The Man.” We even get a sense of his belief in his crew before arriving at an acknowledgment of his mistakes, led by the ever elusive Nina Simone in “Sinnerman.” Although like any wise man, Obama knows that in order to get through life’s toughest times, you have to tackle your demons step by step and “Rock Steady.” Never lose sight of who and what you’re fighting for and remember you owe it to yourself to make a difference.
As one would expect, things slow down on part 2, The President’s Summer Playlist: Night. A bit less eclectic, the second set of songs are rooted in Jazz and R&B. However, the music and his messages remain inextricably linked.
With patience and honesty, via Esperanza Spalding’s “Espera” and Aaron Nevilles’ “Tell It Like It Is,” he’ll eventually get what he’s hoped and worked for all along, a better America. “Life can bring us through many changes it’s alright, just don’t give up know that it’s gonna be alright,” Ledisi sings. Perhaps the most significant song on the playlist, as many of us are completely distraught about the future of both this country and the world. As a matter of fact, Obama’s presence and reassurance to believe in a better tomorrow, has encouraged many of us to keep pushing time and time again — I’ve lost track of how many Facebook statuses and tweets I’ve seen reading, “Four more years,” or “Please don’t go” after his and FLOTUS’ DNC speeches.
We’re not ready for him to leave, and while he’s expressed contentment with the end of his second term quickly approaching, it still won’t be easy for Obama to step down. From Tower of Power’s “So Very Hard To Go,” to Mary J. Blige and Method Man’s “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need,” the shared sentiments are palpable. Finally, the summer playlist winds down with a myriad of classics from the likes of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Janet Jackson. The mix of easy listening tunes and iconic tracks like Fiona Apple’s “Criminal” is yet another example of POTUS’ charm and approachability. There will always be more to say, learn and do, but sometimes you just need to slow down, vibe out and let the future unfold.
A lot has happened in these last 8 years. Much like Tyra Collette, I’ve longed and fought for opportunity, and have consistently attempted to take full advantage of it. I finished college, where I acquired wisdom as well as new set of family and friends. I’ve traveled and made homes in new cities. I finished graduate school, where I was reminded of the inevitability of and beauty in change. I changed tracks within my field. I’ve even changed fields. I’ve fallen and gotten back up again. I’ve danced and sang along the way. Most importantly, I’ve done it all with ever-developing faith and belief that my existence, voice, and dreams are valid — because despite the consistently depressing state of this country and our world, President Barack Obama and the entire First Family, will always represent that my parents were right, and my potential knows no bounds.
That’s something to keep singing about.
