Sly And The Family Stone – Can’t Strain My Brain
Given that I haven’t posted anything at all here in 2025 until now, it’s safe to say that this year has been tough, in expected and unexpected ways. As a student of history, nothing about what’s happened thus far, and is likely to happen, out of Washington has surprised me. But…it’s still a lot to deal with. Add that to the unexpected death of one my mentors, Michael Burawoy, and 2025 felt like a deep deep hole that there was no way out of. But I also know, in those times where things are toughest, it only makes it more important to hold on to those things that give you joy and sustain you. At times that’s been teaching, at other’s it’s been quality time spent with people I love, and at other times it’s been listening to records.
As I’ve mentioned on this site before, Sly Stone is not only one of my favorite artists, but his music is something that’s shaped my principles, how I view the world and how I move in the world. In songs like “Stand,” “Remember Who You Are,” “Time For Livin’,” “Everyday People,” “Underdog,” “Are You Ready,” “You Can Make It If You Try” and others, Sly & the Family Stone’s music kept me focused on staying on the right path, and gave me what I needed to keep pushing forward.
Sly Stone passed on June 9th, 2025. I hope he was able to see the brilliant documentary that Questlove created, Sly Lives! AKA The Burden Of Black Genius, but he didn’t get to see the protests for No Kings on June 14th and again today July 4th. But so much of Sly’s spirit remains and continues to inspire. When I thought of how I’d pay tribute to Sly, with everything going on, it just made sense to focus on one of his songs that fits this current moment. “Stand!” initially came to mind, and its message is one that far too many have lost in this current moment. For whatever reason “Can’t Strain My Brain,” kept coming into my mind, and insistently made a case to be the song to focus on here. Especially one of the later lines, “can’t trust the land, that tries to take the loving out of me…”
“Can’t Strain My Brain” isn’t a song of apathy, where someone is retreating away from life because of how it makes him feel. Instead, it’s a rejection of a way of life that isn’t loving or fulfilling, or frankly, Human. The love we have for other, the freedom we find with those who love us and allow us to truly be free, that solidarity, that compassion, that empathy, all of those things that so many in this moment are trying to get us to ignore, is what will turn the tides and make life better for everyone. It can be hard not to give into the temptation this society propagates that you should only care about yourself and that everyone else is out to get you. But what my experiences have shown me is the exact opposite, that my life is only possible because of the connections to others, and it’s been in those moments where I was isolated that I was at my lowest. By living our best individual lives we find ways to help others find their way as well. So often this moment of modernity and this country America tries to take the loving out of us, but we have to resist that. This is definitely a moment for America to take a note from Sly’s cheeky shirt in the picture above, and get it’s collective shit together!
As it does, there are likely some dark days ahead, and it can be hard to see the light in times of darkness. I’m thankful that artists like Sly Stone created music that shined so very bright, and no matter how lost we seem, the music will always guide us home. Take care of yourselves and those you love…Peace & Bright Moments