The Maccabeats are back yet again, and this time, they’re paying homage to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Their new song is a James Taylor cover of “Shed a Little Light,” which is a collaboration with Naturally 7, a seven-piece vocal group that combines elements of R&B, pop, soul, and beatboxing. You know this mash-up only means one thing: This song is awesome.
I love when music (and art in general) brings awareness to cultural, social, racial, and political issues. For kids especially, this song could be one of the first times they learn about race, and the history of the Civil Rights Movement, outside of a dull textbook. And let’s be real, all textbooks are boring. And Martin Luther King Jr. should be more than just a name in a history book.
READ: You’re Not Ready for The Maccabeats’ Cover of ‘Dayenu’
This video literally illustrates that coming together, instead of remaining separate, makes us stronger. And there are few songs more perfect than this, not with lyrics like this:
“Let us turn our thoughts today
To Martin Luther King
And recognize that there are ties between us,
All men and women living on the Earth.
Ties of hope and love,
Sister and brotherhood,
That we are bound together
In our desire to see the world
Become a place in which our children
Can grow free and strong.
We are bound together by the task
That stands before us
And the road that lies ahead.
We are bound and we are bound.”
Set aside some time to watch this video with your kids this weekend:
