The Living Wells - The Manifesto lyrics

[Intro sample 1: Shawn Kreuk] It's possible, maybe even probable That this discussion, this subject that we're about to discuss Is the most important thing you will ever hear [Intro sample 2: Rabbi Doniel Katz] We've all had these moments when we start, when we suddenly question what we see before our eyes What society tells us is real That I sense, "What if there's something more?" It's a small, tiny flame that gets turned on within us And it's so subtle at the beginning that the smallest gust of wind may come and blow it out [Verse 1: Moshe Friedman] Before I even knew what our generation was missing I knew my life would be dedicated to giving They said people are thirsty and if you want to keep 'em living You need to find your well, so grab a spade and start digging I honed my craft, finally cracked my talent code Then I knew I had a balance owed No art for art's sake, I had to partake I looked around and felt my heart break Cuz we're so hooked on entertainment, can't close our eyes Seeking thrills from horror films and roller coaster rides Like trying to get nutrition from a Coke and fries It's the information age, why is no one wise? And it's no surprise we treat music like it's candy Instead of the voice of truth that it can be Finally found a calling that was suitable To find beauty in the meaning, and to make the meaning beautiful [Chorus: Rick Fox] Sing, play, time to get paid This is the way, I'm looking for fame The j**els, the clothes, the selling out shows People stare wherever we go Good music? Remember that it's gone Heard about me? Then remember this song Wanna help me? Then sing along, come on And let's go - this is my manifesto [Verse 2: Moshe Friedman] Here's what the plan is, let me be candid I wanna reach more people than the Grateful Dead band did Don't wanna be that flash in the pan kid I wanna make the music you could listen to with your grandkid That's why I don't write as quickly as a knee-jerk Cuz each song takes a month of thought and research And why I pack so many words in each verse Cuz most truth can't be told as a slogan on a t-shirt And the day I write about the cars I acquire That will be the day I retire I write to inspire you beyond your common sense If I needed self-confidence, I'd ask my mom for compliments If you're as important as how many people listen Why do we expect more from our teachers than our musicians? I have one rule and I hope it's clear to see: I am here for you and you are not here for me [Chorus] [Verse 3: Moshe Friedman] They say to reach the youth, you're gonna have to sink low Gotta sell your soul, but I don't think so Cuz more people are searching than even we know And if I'm you're cup of tea, well then come and drink slow I've seen these kids and they look so curious Looking for the answers backpacking on the Eurotrips And flocking to the gurus who teach about impermanence Cuz they feel like they're living like surrogates And even if you've picked a career but still aren't sure of it I invite you to come down and listen just for a bit Whether you've joined Greenpeace or you're a banker In this sea of information, I'm offering an anchor And while some teach for the sake of getting famous And others teach what's unproven and often very dangerous I just take what's known and dress it up in clever language Cuz when you're offering the truth, well the truth never changes [Chorus] [End sample: Rabbi Doniel Katz] There's a term that the Greeks, the Ancient Greeks coined: "Art for art's sake" The Greeks believed that the ultimate form of art is that there's no educational value, there's no informational value, there's nothing deeper there to communicate What's the point of making something if it doesn't express anything?