Soldier Status

Self,

Every once in a while a musician will record a song that for lack of a better term, becomes my anthem.

Sade's "Soldier of Love" has become my newest anthem. The song laid it's trap for me with it's opening trumpet and the introduction of the baseline.

The trap was sprung with the line:

I lost the use of my heart, but I'm still alive.

I became the song's prisoner with the verse:

I'm at the borderline of my faith,
I'm in the hinterland of my devotion,
In the frontline of this battle of mine,
But I'm still alive.

The chorus sealed the deal;

I'm a soldier of love
every day of my life
I'm a soldier of love
all the days of my life

But when I got to the bridge - I became a devoted disciple:

I been torn up inside
I been left behind
So I ride
I have the will to survive
in the wild wild west
trying my hardest
doing my best
To stay alive
I am a soldier

I don't want to sound crazy (or bitter) but I think this is (or should be) the anthem for about 90% of gay men particularly black gay men. We all got battle scars...some just call it baggage.

And although I've known and claimed it for years, that I am a soldier of love, there's a certain solace that comes with the song.

Take a listen, tell me if you feel it.



Sincerely,
Pharaoh