“We've got to be as clear-headed about human beings as possible because we are still each other's only hope.” ― James Baldwin
Climate change, polluted rivers, lakes, oceans, and air, overuse and abuse of resources, deforestation, depleted soil, soil erosion, factory farming of animals, overfishing, fracking, endangered species, fires, hurricanes, and melting ice caps.
The news about the effects human beings are having on the planet and its inhabitants can be pretty grim. So when I went looking for songs about healing the planet, I was expecting eloquence, beauty, and emotional pain. Instead, I found Lil Dicky, an American rapper, comedian, and actor who has put together an animated video that will delight, occasionally shock (did he REALLY say that?!) and make you snort with laughter. It will also give you pause, and hopefully push you to take a look at what can be done to heal ourselves and the planet.
One of the reasons the video and song you’re about to hear is so effective is the animation. It’s superb. But the other is the lyrics, which are not only clever but delivered with exceptional talent by more than 30 well-known and (mostly) beloved celebrities. Here is the list:
Baboon - Justin Bieber
Zebra - Ariana Grande
Lion cub - Halsey
Cow - Zac Brown
Pig - Brendon Urie
Common fungus - Hailee Steinfeld
Skunk - Wiz Khalifa
Marijuana - Snoop Dogg
Kanye West - Kevin Hart
Vultures - Adam Levine
Rhinos - Shawn Mendes
Giraffe - Charlie Puth
Kangaroo - Sia
Elephant - Miley Cyrus
Clam - Lil Jon
Wolf - Rita Ora
Squirrel - Miguel
Pony - Katy Perry
HPV - Lil Yachty
Koala - Ed Sheeran
India - Meghan Trainor
Africa - Joel Embiid
China - Tory Lanez
We Love The Earth - John Legend, Psy, Bad Bunny, Kris Wu
Mankind - Lil Dicky
Credits - Backstreet Boys
Himself - Leonardo DiCaprio
Let’s Have a Listen
So tell me…
Did you like it? If so, what was your favorite part?
Did you hate - or dislike - any parts? If so, which ones?
Do you have an issue or cause related to the environment that you are particularly passionate about? If so, please share with links.
How do you feel about our chances of protecting and restoring the planet to health?
Let the discussion begin!
Additional Resources
We Love the Earth Guide: https://welovetheearth.org/
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment
Defenders of Wildlife: https://defenders.org/
Copyright 2021 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.
The way you find such delicious treats, Jena!! What a wonderful talent you possess, woman!
I loved everything about this song and video. Everything!
It made it light and funny and action packed with some sexual innuendo stuff so that the younger generation will actually watch and hopefully learn....and for us older folks I am going on the .com to see what can be learned. Thank you Jena!