Saturday, July 26, 2008

Oceanlab: Miracle



Don't they know that there's something going on
What they're harming with their indecision
But who will be left standing when I'm gone
There'll be nothing left but a vision

And it's too easy to turn a blind eye to the light
It's too easy to bow your head and pray
But there are some times when you should try to find your voice
And this is one voice that you must find today

Are you hoping for a miracle
As the ice caps melt away
No use hoping for a miracle
There's a price we'll have to pay

Don't they know that there's something they can do
To be sure of tomorrow's tomorrow
And too late is too late for me and you
No more time left for you to borrow

And it's too easy to turn a blind eye to the light
It's too easy to bow your head and pray
But there are some times when you should try to find your voice
And this is one voice that you must find today

Are you hoping for a miracle
As the ice caps melt away
No use hoping for a miracle
There's a price we'll have to pay

Are you hoping for a miracle
Am I still there in your plans
No use hoping for a miracle
I am balanced in your hands

- Miracle (Album Edit) by Oceanlab


Miracle is the latest single released by Oceanlab, and once again, it's another excellent track that combines the deejaying mastery of Above & Beyond, and the hauntingly beautiful vocals of singer/songwriter Justine Suissa.

This time however, there's a valuable social message behind the music: to me, the lyrics so aptly describe the current state of affairs, where world leaders are still trapped within the mindset of competition with other states when the entire world is at stake, where the facts of climate change have become so politically loaded, and where people are aware of what's happening, but are so loathe to make even small sacrifices that collectively, can go a long way towards slowing the changes that are arising.

The video goes one step further to emphasise the point, with the use of wonderfully breathtaking imagery, to show just what we might stand to lose if we continue to be so gripped with inaction that we are unable to change the way we live our lives.

While personally, I don't think this track will really change people's minds about taking action, I must say that it is a notable and worthy effort on the part of Oceanlab. Music has always been used as an avenue to spread messages, and whether or not one will feel sufficiently inspired to become an agent of social change, this feels a whole lot more sincere than the Live Earth concerts.

Here's the Radio Edit of the Above & Beyond Club Mix for this track. It's quite different from the Album Edit, but still just as pleasing to the ear:



It's certainly very fascinating to see how two of my interests - trance music and the environment - have managed to intersect.



Miracle is currently available on Oceanlab's long-awaited debut album, Sirens of the Sea.