This is a guest post by Camille Jones, a sophomore at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

When you hear the name Lennon you think musical trailblazer, innovator, and legend. Though the first thing that comes to mind is John, John Lennon. What people tend to forget is that John Lennon also had a son who is just as acclaimed in music as his legendary father. Julian Lennon proved that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree when he wrote “Saltwater” a song that speaks about the earth and the effect we as people have on it by altering the climate of our world.

It wasn’t just Julian Lennon who tried to make known the strength of our mistakes on this planet. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, also used his voice to make an impact on the people of today that affect our future by writing “Earth Song”. A song that captures the mind and makes people ask themselves, “What have we done to the world?”

Music is my go-to thing for relaxation from a rough day and also my inspiration for times when I need to open my mind and think freely. When I first heard this Michael Jackson song I expected an upbeat, lively tune, but instead what I got was the complete opposite. The lyrics started flowing through my mind, and I began to feel somewhat ashamed about how careless I am myself along with the people around me treat the earth and its environment by not recycling, wasting water, and using electricity as if they are lifetime guarantees. Though this song made me feel shameful, it also made me feel something else. Hope. Hope that one day all of our environmental issues could be stabilized if everyone came together as a unit and helped our planet. I know that sounds cheesy and some people might say that these songs are just songs, but they’re more than that. They are messages warning us to preserve and protect what we have, this place we call home; the Earth. So here is my request for all who are reading this: If you happen to come across one of these songs while you’re in the car, or on the internet, or occupying your time somehow, just listen to the words and ponder on what they’re trying to say because you might learn something. Kermit the Frog said it best, “It’s not easy being green.” Let’s all take a step toward a better future and try.