Compared to What was written in the late 1960s as a protest song and commentary on the social climate of the time. Its themes still resonate with listeners today, as it's been covered hundreds of times and has essentially become a funk and jazz standard.
lyrics
I love to lie, I lie to love
Hangin' on with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
The mission of the whole damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut, everybody now
Tryna make it real, compared to what? Yeah
The president, he's got is war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We're chicken feathers all without one nut, god damn it
Trnya make it real, compared to what? Yeah
Church on Sundays, sleep and nod
Tryna duck the wrath of God
Creatures fillin' us with fright
Tryna teach what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut, yeah I don't dig it
Tryna make it real, compared to what? Yeah
Where's that bee and where's that honey?
Where's my god and where's my money?
Unreal values, crass distortions
Unwed mothers need abortions
It kind of brings to mind ol' young king Tut
Tryna make it real, compared to what?
Tryna make it real, compared to what?
Tryna make it real, compared to what?
Tryna make it real, compared to what? Compared to what?
credits
from (r)evolution,
released October 20, 2023
Brandon Jensen - Keyboards
Carl Hipenbecker - Lead Vocals, Trumpet
Casey Seymour - Bass Guitar
Daniel Haschke - Tenor Saxophone, Percussion
Frank Laufenberg - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Max Morkri - Drum Set