Story Behind The Song
After California's Prop 8 passed in 2008, stripping basic rights from millions of California citizens, I wrote "It's About Love", a marriage equality anthem. I was privileged to sing the song on the steps of the California Supreme Court the night before the first trial in March of 2009. The anthem was used in PFLAG presentations around the country. Now that the Supreme Court overturned DOMA and Californians can enjoy marriage equality, I have since recorded an up-tempo Celebration Mix with my friend Lisa Ulanday, a straight marriage equality ally from my church choir. George and Brad Takei sent us images from their wedding as to use in the video for the song, which is still on YouTube.
Song Description
This song was written as a reaction to the devastating passage of Prop 8 in california in 2008, which stripped many Californians of basic rights and was later overturned by the Supreme Court. The subdued ballad was sung on hte steps of California's Supreme Court the night before the first trial. We went for an organic, protest movement sound reminiscent of 60s anthems. Upon ultimate granting of marriage equality, a new Celebration Dance Mix was recorded as a duet with Pinay singer Lisa Ulanday and is featured on Johnny Schaefer's Acoustic Remedy album and here on Broadjam.
| Song Length |
4:09 |
Genre |
Pop - Easy Listening, Folk - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Engaging |
Subject |
Freedom, Liberal, Progressive |
| Similar Artists |
Elton John, Rufus Wainwright |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
It's About Love-Original Prop 8 Version: Music and lyrics by Johnny Schaefer
There is a man who loves a man
And, happily, that man loves him, back
They honor and cherish one another through the years
If that isn't marriage, well, then nothing is
If that isn't marriage, well, then nothing is
nothing is
nothing is
nothing is
nothing is
There is a woman who loves a woman
And, happily, that woman loves here, too
Together they raise two children, bound by love
If they don't have a family, well then no one does
If they don't have a family, well then no one does
no one does
no one does
no one does
no one does
Chorus
It's more than pride
It's more than dignity
It's more than you and I
And changing history
It's more than laws
It's more than politics
It's more than poll results
And winning arguments
It's about love
It's about love
It's about love, love
It's so much more
So much more
So let each church decide for itself
And let each person find happiness
For our freedom depends on the stand we take now
(Take now)
Stand up
Get up
Come on
We're free!
Chorus (repeat)
©2008-Johnny Schaefer, Auditory Verve Music, ASCAP