Page 28 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 102

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it for something useful and positive.” in charge or in power of so many things and so why should we have to wait? We should
ne of the songs Michael himself that will never change anything and misery realize right now and enjoy our lives.”
Owrote for the album was ‘Heaven Is continues on a lot of levels because they Michael remembers back, “There was a
A Free State’. He says, “It’s about a state of don’t really care.” period when I was younger, I was always
mind to find a freedom within yourself, to But Michael thinks that while the majority miserable and then one day when I had an
have the peace of mind to have true happi- of politicians don’t really care about making epiphany and a revelation. ‘Oh yeah, I get it
ness within you. It’s within reach for every- the world a better place, musicians more now.’ My whole life was pointed out to me,
body. Once you realize it, once you get it, often do. that’s why I’m here, everything made perfect
then you can release your mind and be free “Bob Geldof proved it with Live Aid, for sense. And also, some religious leaders say-
and in a nice balance and at peace with your- example. If you really want to make a change ing gold stars in heaven. When you die you
self. It’s kind of like the song ‘All You Need’. and get together and raise a lot of money for go to heaven. Bullshit. I want my gold stars
It’s ‘what you got is all you need’. You can starving people it can be done if you really right here right now. There ain’t no high up
have true happiness and it comes from the care. Musicians can do it and you can influ- in the sky, it’s right here. You make your own
inside. It doesn’t come from the outside. No ence people through your music with your heaven or hell on earth. I believe life goes on.
religious leader is going to tell you ‘OK, I can lyrics and stuff. Politicians will never do I believe in the God’s force. I believe that the
make you happy,’ you’ve got to find it within that. They’re too concerned about their own soul continues after you leave the physical
yourself. No God will ever come down from money and self-interest. Greed. It’s only the existence onto the next trip. I believe what-
the sky and say ‘Yeah, you’re the one, your truly needy and the truly greedy, which is a ever you make out of your life you also make
religion was the right one.’ Everybody thinks shame as there should be a common your world in the next world. I’m getting re-
their religion is the right one.” ground. ‘Heaven is a free state, don’t need a ally deeper into this.
The song includes references to how the second handshake’, don’t try and tell me “To me, ‘Heaven Is A Free State’ – heaven
government system doesn’t work. “The that’s some cheap religion, don’t try and tell is the free state of mind knowing that you’re
politicians only act on their own self-interest me that’s the truth or the way to happiness. at peace with yourself, there’s no conflict
and that’s why nothing ever changes,” says You can find happiness in yourself. Every- within you. If you’re a selfish person or angry
Michael. “There are so many people that are one can reach that once they get the point, person, you’ll never find that. I’ve seen a lot

MICHAEL MONROE