We Get By - Mavis Staples

We Get By - Mavis Staples

3:35

We Get By, 2019

Written by Ben Harper

This is a duet with Ben Harper, who wrote this song (and all the songs on its album).  The lyrics are simple but forceful, a throwback to gospel-inspired protest songs of the 1960s.  The song proclaims a unity, a culture of support among friends and extended family.  The lines "Was just the other day, I heard from my old friend / She was going through changes once again" might refer to a friend down on her luck, but maybe also stand for America herself?  She's definitely going through changes, but sadly I'm not sure what ails her can be fixed by a community of the oppressed.

We're Gonna Make It - Mavis Staples

We're Gonna Make It - Mavis Staples

3:27

You Are Not Alone, 2010

Written by Gene Barge, Billy Davis, Raynard Miner & Carl William Smith, 1965

This is a cover, originally released by Little Milton on the album of the same name.  Here, Mavis duets with somebody, but I can't find out who.  It's a triumphant funky gospel number, proclaiming overcoming hard times through the power of togetherness and love.  "And if a job is hard to find / And we have to stand in the welfare line / I've got your love and you know you got mine."