I couldn’t do 30 Days, 30 Songs without including Herbs, the legendary Kiwi reggae band. A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about one of my favourite Herbs songs, Sensitive to a Smile.
Reading that post again today, I still feel the same way — just with more urgency now.
The very talented Sarah, at Art Expedition, is hosting 30 Days, 30 Songs during the month of June. I think her latest choice is one of the most beautiful versions of one of the most beautiful songs. Please visit to see if you agree.
“Beautiful children have come into my life; Beautiful people, oh young and bright.” Dilworth Karaka, Charlie Tumahai, Todd Casella, ‘Sensitive to a Smile.’ Image: Su Leslie, 2002
Herbs is a NZ reggae band that formed in 1979 and is still performing — albeit with a much changed line-up.
Sensitive to a Smile was released in 1987, and I remember it mainly, in a fairly abstract way, as a political song. It wasn’t until the boy-child was born in 1998 that the political became personal.
There comes a time in everyone’s life
No room for mistrust, no room for hate
Open up your heart, don’t look away
When I found myself responsible for that tiny bundle, grown from the love between his father and myself, I realised how invested I had become in wanting a better world, not only for my child, but for all mothers’ children.
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Such sweet smiles. If only our world were more sensitive to them. 😦
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🙂 I wonder how people can so comprehensively divorce their actions (and inaction) from the consequences of those actions.
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Yes, it’s such a puzzle.
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beautiful
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I feel the same way, Su. That’s a great song from a talented bunch. Music can bring change. I’m convinced of it.
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I certainly hope so 🙂
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🙂
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He looks a little shy Su, but that lovely smile comes through.
Leslie
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🙂
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I see I liked this first time round, but I had forgotten it. The pictures of your son are wonderful. Either he is super-photogenic or you are super-talented at capturing informal shots. Or both. I’ll say both!
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He has traditionally been very photogenic, though these days I have to tell him the shots are for his grandmother before he’ll actually let me take any.
I do like taking portraits, but am only any good with people I know well. Shyness tends to prevent me directing other people well enough to get a good photo.
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I can’t really blame him, I hate having my photograph taken!
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So do I!
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How lovely those smiles are! He was an adorable small child and has grown into a very thoughtful looking young man.
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He was and is. You’ve reminded me I need some up to date photos of him for his grandmother 😀
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Wonderful smiles, Su! Whenever my mum tries taking a picture of me I end up looking very un-relaxed! 😂 It takes a hundred shots or so to get one decent one. 😄
That song’s so lovely and perfect for these smiles. 😊
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Thank you. I hate being photographed for exactly the same reason.
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That’s maybe where we need to start that cheerleading bit. 😉 To encourage of having more photos taken of ourselves. 😀
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I’m not totally convinced the world needs more photos of me 🙂
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Sorry to disagree but that’s where you’re wrong, my friend! 😉 😀
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😬😬
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