Given that tomorrow is Mardi Gras, it seems only right to have a New Orleans native musician for today’s inspiration. And when I think of modern musicians from New Orleans, one name comes immediately to mind: Jon Batiste. Like many others, I first became aware of this talented artist when he was leading the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. However, he was born and raised around New Orleans, and was part of a New Orleans musical dynasty. In 2020, he co-composed the score for the Pixar animated film Soul, winning an Academy Award and a Grammy (shared with the other co-composers, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). His 2021 album, We Are, won 5 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

So it feels right to use the title song of the album as our Motivational Music Monday song this week. You can see the video at: https://youtu.be/MkpvNaBe0mg?si=01d3AkETmc1bVjm_. (If you have a hard time hearing the lyrics, there is a different version of the song that comes with captions at: https://youtu.be/Q9qG2Xb19L4?si=7nQcNT_QqMIp5T42.)

In an interview with the website Classical Voices, Batiste explained his “We Are” lyrics claiming “We are the chosen ones” in this way:

Speaking of the phrase, “we are the chosen ones,” this is what I believe we’re ordained to do: to change the course of history in the realm of culture, politics, in how we relate to each other on a spiritual level. There’s a spiritual awakening, of elevation of our spiritual consciousness that’s possible to happen right now.

When he gave that interview, it was during the time of COVID and he was thinking most directly about the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. However, I love to apply that to 2025 as well. Instead of focusing on all the upset and chaos and noise in current policies, what if we embraced that we ARE the chosen ones–the ones who can defend democracy, who will stand up for our rights and the rights of others, who help lead our country and our world to embrace a higher and more spiritual consciousness?

What if WE are the heroes we’ve been waiting for? I like that much better than feeling like I’m a victim of President Trump and his Congressional Republicans yes-men/women.

Plus, the man sings about joy in the song, as well as embodying it most times I’ve seen him in videos. Perfect for BlissFullU.

I hope this inspires you, not only today, but in the days, weeks, and months to come.