We were in Italy during the US election of 2008, so we voted absentee. As Americans, we felt that we had lost ground in many ways around the world, so were ready for change. In addition, time was running out as the issues of Global Warming marched on.

We read “Flat, Hot, and Crowded,” by Thomas Friedman, which made us realize how far we were behind the rest of the world regarding the creation of a clean, green future. The world was already flat and getting flatter; already overpopulated and getting more so; and the carbon dioxide emissions had actually made mankind the newest endangered species on the planet.

We decided that it was important to retell the Friedman story in as many ways as possible—so why not music?

Music

Lyrics

Paying with dimes borrowed
Like there’s no tomorrow
Great American dream
Hope it comes true

Global carbon copy culture
Followed like no other one
Wrapped inside each flag are
Red, white and blue shadows

If we pay attention
Weigh the consequences
Set the stage for progress
What will it mean to us

Make the best of plans laid
Fix our careless mistakes
Embark on years of healing
Changing the scene forever

Posing all new plans
Second thoughts rush my awareness
Daily sacrifice
May be too much

Yet to save the earth
Will surely take some drastic measures
Any effort made
Is barely enough

Red, white, blue, green

All perpetuated
The image we created
It’s only natural then
That we take the lead forward

Carbon copy cultures
Follow like no other
Restore our common cause
The freedom to breathe always

Free to breathe
So the footprints that are left upon the earth fade
Disappearing into green

Credits

From Moment of Truth, track released March 1, 2009
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics, vocals and production
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar, vocals and production
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering