I was dreaming in my dreaming
of an aspect bright and fair
and my sleeping it was broken
but my dream it lingered near
in the form of shining valleys
where the pure air recognized
and my senses newly opened
I awakened to the cry
that the people / have the power
to redeem / the work of fools
upon the meek / the graces shower
it’s decreed / the people rule
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
and bending low as if to hear
and the armies ceased advancing
because the people had their ear
and the shepherds and the soldiers
lay beneath the stars
exchanging visions
and laying arms
to waste / in the dust
in the form of / shining valleys
where the pure air / recognized
and my senses / newly opened
I awakened / to the cry
people have the power!
Where there were deserts
I saw fountains
like cream the waters rise
and we strolled there together
with none to laugh or criticize
and the leopard
and the lamb
lay together truly bound
I was hoping in my hoping
to recall what I had found
I was dreaming in my dreaming
god knows / a purer view
as I surrender to my sleeping
I commit my dream to you
people have the power
The power to dream / to rule
to wrestle the world from fools
it’s decreed the people rule
it’s decreed the people rule
LISTEN
I believe everything we dream
can come to pass through our union
we can turn the world around
we can turn the earth’s revolution
we have the power
People have the power …
How do I do that, Roseanne? Send me your email via twitter (I just messaged you). Of course, I would never sue you and will put it in writing.
i think when you tell the truth in your art, it doesnt really matter if anyone likes it or not—you did what you hoped to do–send it to me with a release stating that you will never sue me for any reason and I will read it
Hi Roseanne,
I read your recent NY Mag article about working on Roseanne. It reminded me a lot of my own experiences of working in Hollywood. I had written a comedy script, very similar in theme to that of Roseanne, about some of the observations I had made while working on film sets. The film was called “Gong Show” and it was a comedy about working on a big budget film, and all the stupid and ridiculous BS that goes on during almost every production in existence.
I thought it was really funny, re-wrote it 9 times, and showed it to a couple of producers I had been working with. It pissed them off, to say the least. I guess I was a little too honest with my critique about the inner workings of Hollywood.
At first, I didn’t understand why they didn’t like it. Everyone knows this stuff happens on film sets on a near-constant basis – so why not make fun of it? It was an original story that hadn’t been done before, and it was really funny. Then I read your article, and paid special attention to this line:
“Hollywood hates labor, and hates shows about labor worse than any other thing. And that’s why you won’t be seeing another Roseanne anytime soon.”
Everything finally made sense, since “labor” was essentially was this story was about. People who labor on shitty films and tv shows, who are abused, mistreated, and discarded. But at least I kept my sense of humor about it. It was funny, as someone who actually lived the story I wrote to see producers (who live in the lap of luxury) get so offended over what I had written. I took that as a sign that I had done something right.
I don’t have a career in film anymore – and I don’t care. It’s a stupid and brain-dead industry, and it’s only getting worse. You quoted the Art Of War, “He who cares the most – wins.”
I don’t care at all, yet I still feel like I won, Roseanne. Explain that.
I used to wait on Patti Smith quite often when she came into Aggie’s Diner on MacDougal St. , Patti & Aggie were roommates in the 70s with Robert Mapplethorpe. Her son was usually with her. She told me she had lived in Chattanooga, TN for awhile in the early 50s where her grandfather had a lumberyard. I t was then I realized that the Tennessee Trilogy was now complete with Patti, Tina & Dolly.. Pure genius & transformation in that woman’s heart and soul..
I LIVE for Gilda Radner’s character “Candy Slice” , her impersonation of Patti Smith . HAUTE.
Aloha Roseanne & LadyJane Green xo
Rosanne I just finished reading your NYT article and I loved it.
What a great insight into the hollywood machine. One that loves to villanize its public faces a la Charlie Sheen ( though yeah Im sure hes a dick..)
Unfortunately the viewing public seems to have quite a taste for bullshit..
Anyway, I had to copy/paste this line
“had nothing but contempt for me—someone who didn’t show deference, didn’t keep her mouth shut, didn’t do what she was told.”
for future reference on those down days.
Love you.k
Yes, the “honoring” is a difficult one for the humble geniuses out there. I take your words to heart.
It was a refreshing shift for my mind’s eye. (mahalo to Crazy Horse and Roseanne for posting)
As I’ve stated before, ART/ARTISTS WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!!!
For those who aren’t familiar with the genius of Patti Smith:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8C9U7pMvmc
When Patti Smith was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame, her speech included the story that her late husband, before his death in 1994, told her that she would get this accolade and that he knew that she would not want it but she needed to accept it, her real thankfulness was that the organization would be contributing funds to musicians in need, that was the honor she recognized in the “award recognition”… great spirit among us.
I have always been amazed by her talent since the first album Horses. Like you Roseanne she is a true original, visionary who marches to her own drum. Thank you for all you have done Roseanne to expand our minds.
You are so right. Women can set a standard and in a peaceful manner. I seen a video today reaffirming that fact and how Lisa Lampanelli handled a group that decided to protest against gay rights at one of her shows. It was hilarious and comedy at its best, got to love her!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ntPOCnIVFgs
Thank you for sharing.
excerpt from a 1915 ad for Cadillac in the Saturday Evening Post:
In every field of human endeavor, [s]he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity. Whether the leadership vested in a [wo]man or in a manufactured product, emulation and envy are ever at work. In art, in literature, in music, in industry, the reward and punishment are always the same. The reward is widespread recognition; the punishment, fierce denial and detraction.
When a [wo]man’s work becomes a standard for the whole world, it also becomes a target for the shafts of the envious few. If his/[her] work be merely mediocre, [s]he will be left severely alone – if [s]he achieves a masterpiece, it will set a million tongues awagging. Jealousy does not protrude its forked tongue at the artist who produces a commonplace painting. Whatsoever you write, or paint, or play, or sing, or build, no one will strive to surpass, or to slander you, unless your work be stamped with the seal of genius.
Thank you so very much for sharing, what a way to start my day. Super special.
Patti Smith’s EASTER saved my life. Not kidding.
Here you go:
http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,912629207001_0,00.html
CH, Please oh please, share this link. Patty Smith rocks like few other american originals. Her ballsy ass stage presence picked up directly where Janis Joplin left off. She defines New York Punk to me, and her poetry and prose also resonate with truth, grace, and the power of survival. Ljg had the good luck to see p smith on tour in the late 90s, san fran, at Slims. Her teenage son took the stage w her and they played a killer cover of Smoke on the Water together w her band backing. So cool.Am also seeing Shades of Gilda Radner and her parody/tribute Kandi Slyce. Wish i could have seen P. Smith back in the 70′s, as well. Being a preteen then,twas so not possible.Not many can follow through on a Jim Morrison obsession/ tribute/homage like her version of Gloria. LJG loves The People Have The Power too, and has belted it out at home and in public. When times are rough, its an excellent fight song for the Light. Will Sing it Again. When the Time is Right! Like at your Swearing In! Barr 2012
Well lay it on us……………?
yes i did thanks–
Patti is GOD. Did you watch the vid I sent you today? Of her reciting it? If not, this is kind of cosmic…xo
This is amazing!