“Give me liberty or give me death” is a famous line spoken by an early Colonial in America’s fight for freedom, all the while slaves and Native Americans were being denied rights. Thus began the irony of freedom in the USA.

We do have freedom of speech, yet how do we use it? This is a separate topic worth pondering.

Some may long to be part of an elite class. However, sometimes being well heeled and in the inteligentsia isn’t all its cracked up to be and here’s an example.

I’m running sound in a listening room for a songwriter and it’s one of those peel the paint off the walls kind of songs. The whole room seemed to be cringing with each note yet staying in polite attention. Why? Because they are supposed to. It’s a civilized listening room! Give everyone your full attention and clap politely. Don’t dare demand more.

Then, I went into the kitchen to get some tea or coffee which I could do as an employee. There behold, the dishwasher was playing Cumbia music through a small boombox and the noise was joyous. The beat was infectious and he was singing along. Now he, was having a good time.

Too bad the people in the paid listening room were not.

Is your music your own? Does it help you through hard times or the daily grind? Or, is it just made to please some populus or tradition?

Cumbia represents music that truly brings us joy.

Give me Cumbia or give me death!