Every so often you come across an iconic rap song that doesn't talk about women, money or cars. This is rare but when I find one I grab onto it and refuse to let go. It's refreshing to hear a rapper single-handedly face such important political and social issues with their only aim to raise awareness. Their bravery to openly talk about topics such as race, mental illness or in this case homosexuality should be admired and appreciated. Recent favourites of mine include Stronger Than Ever by Raleigh Ritchie, and George the Poet's Search Party. These artists are basically opening their arms wide and asking for controversy, putting their necks on the line purely to make themselves heard.

Macklemore is one of these brave venturers. I first heard Same Love the very week it was released back in 2012 and was hooked instantly. Macklemore rose to fame after releasing the insanely catchy Thrift Shop and do not get me started on how much I love Can't Hold Us. Recently I have become a sucker for his new single Downtown (which totally inspired the need to write this post about him and Ryan Lewis).

The beginning of the song Same Love starts with a simple piano tune, the image of a small child discovering the piano keys for their first lesson springs to mind. This ties in perfectly with the beginning of the song as it starts with Macklemore discussing childhood stereotypes. He looks back on a childhood ridden with curious questions of sexuality and confusion. "When I was in the third grade I thought that I was gay...Bunch of stereotypes all in my head." 

The theme of childhood innocence is continued further through the amazing directing from Ryan Lewis in the official video for the song. It starts with a baby being born and then follows the life of the boy as he grows up in a judging society. It shows the difficulties he faces discovering his sexuality in teenage hood before discovering happiness in his male partner whom he grows to a ripe old age with. It is such a positive video and you really feel as though you get to know the character who's life you follow. In just the 7.04 minutes of his story you feel as though you share his angst in adolescence and the deserved happiness of his wedding day. The final clip of the video returns to the little boy being born as though Ryan Lewis is saying 'look what you've got to look forward to'. Such a sweet message which leaves a smile on your face long after the video credits role on.

Macklemore's lyrics throughout Same Love are so well written, powerful and truthful. Some particularly important lyrics include "Have you read the YouTube comments lately? "Man that's gay" gets dropped on the daily", "Call each other faggots behind the keys of a message board". And he is completely right, hits the nail on the head. The youth of today, myself included, have grown up hearing the word "gay" used on a regular basis all around us. We use it casually for numerous different reasons without giving it a second thought. "We become so numb to what we're saying" Macklemore is spot on when he says it is "a word rooted in hate yet our genre still ignores it". He creates great emphasis here highlighting the truth and the audience feel empowered to make a change. 

Another songwriting genius comes in the form of Mary Lambert who wrote and sung the chorus of Same Love. She was a previously unknown artist who was given her big break. Not only that but it was on a subject so close to her own heart. In an interview with American Songwriter she discussed how 'she grew up aware that she was gay. She would go to church every Sunday and cry, and apologise to God for being a sinner'. Hence influencing the final lyrics of the song "I'm not crying on Sundays". You can hear through the lyrics Mary's personal connection to the subject and this makes it all the more powerful. 

A truly inspirational and heartwarming song with a strong message. "No freedom 'til we're equal, damn right I support it".