1.98 million cases of Covid-19.
66,541 deaths in Great Britain.
Let’s play music.

Eric Clapton has released a new single. Written by Van Morrison, “Stand and Deliver” is an anti-lockdown song. Frustrated by being unable to perform live music to an audience, this is their way of making a statement.

17.5 million cases of Covid-19.
314,000 deaths in the United States.
Let’s play music.

Here are some of the lyrics:
Stand and deliver
You let them put the fear on you
Stand and deliver
But not a word you heard was true
But if there’s nothing you can say
There may be nothing you can do

Really, Van? The government is scaring you, not the virus?
People are dying all over the world and you think it’s a lie?
Really, Van? Really?

As if this wasn’t enough, Van doubles down with his statement about the record and being in lockdown:

“Eric’s recording is fantastic and will clearly resonate with the many who share our frustrations. It is heartbreaking to see so many talented musicians lack any meaningful support from the government, but we want to reassure them that we are working hard every day to lobby for the return of live music, and to save our industry.”

We get it, Van. We really do. Everyone is unhappy about the lockdown. We’re saddened that we can’t hear you and our other favorite musicians play. We understand that the music industry is suffering. We feel bad for the musicians who struggle to make a living. We feel bad for the small venues that may not survive. I even feel bad for dudes like you and Eric, who are worth millions of dollars, because you can’t do the job you love.

But, as sorry as I am for you, I’m really sorry about the people who have become ill from the Covid-19. I’m sorry for the ones who have lost their lives from Covid-19. I’m sorry for the families whose lives have been destroyed and will never recover. Van, you and Eric not being able to play music is a small thing compared to all the suffering and death. It’s just a blip.

Oh yeah…and Van, we got the point when you released your other three recent lockdown songs. “Stand and Deliver” is just overkill…and not so great overkill. Not exactly your’s and Eric’s best work.

So guys, maybe it’s time to take this anti-lockdown thing down a notch. Maybe it’s time to show a little compassion for the ones who are really hurting. Maybe you can write and record a song about them. I look forward to hearing that one, but I’m not holding my breath.

75.5 Million cases of Covid-19.
1,600,000 deaths worldwide.
Let’s play music.

Related Post: It’s going to be a Happy Xmas with Eric Clapton

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