When I was a teenager (ages ago) I spent three years with one of the casts of Up With People. You may have seen the singing-and-dancing international casts of Up With People on Super Bowl appearances or possibly elsewhere. Anyway, it was a great time in my life and, just today, one of their famous songs came roaring back into my head and I knew I just had to share it here. So please excuse the indulgence but it feels like this song is more relevant today than it has ever been. I'm getting the words as close as I can. Please follow me after the fold
I sang this song consistently for three years but that was forty years ago, so my memory may be a little hazy. Up With People is an international non-profit educational organization that provides travel and performance opportunities for young people, as well as education in consensus-building, community-building, international relations, etc. It has been in existence since 1965 and the well-known actress - Glenn Close - was once a member and was also one of their early songwriters.
Anyway, here are the lyrics to the song that came back to me so strongly this morning. Whether you are an UP With People fan, not a fan, or have never heard of them, I think the song resonates today of all days. I tried to find a online link to the actual music but could not find one. If anyone else is more successful, please feel free to provide a link to it.
This is the one song (at that time) that consistently had a black male cast member sing lead. Back then, it resonated of the Civil Rights marches and the Vietnam war. Right now, it's resonating even stronger to me. I really want to know which way America is going to go.
Which Way America?
Which way America? Which way America? Which way America?
Which way to go?
This is my country, and
I want to know
Which way America is going to go
For there is many a chore before us
Many a choice to make
I'm gonna ask the Lord above
To show me the road to take
Which way America? Which way America? Which way America?
Which way to go?
This is my country, and
I want to know
Which way America is going to go.
For there is many a road before us
Many a hill to climb
I'm gonna find the brightest road
And walk it til the end of time.
Which way America? Which way America? Which way America?
Which way to go?
This is my country, and
I want to know
Which way America is going to go.
Which way America is - going to go.