“Song shows us a world that is worthy of our yearning, shows us our selves as they might be, if we were worthy of the world.” — Salman Rushdie, from The Ground Beneath Her Feet.

My long-term mission for this site (and the associated Songs of Conscience mailing list) is to do my part in assembling a kind of toolkit or field guide for songwriters who seek to have social impact with their music, while preserving the integrity of the artistic spirit. Hence my choice of the "toolkit" illustration to the left—in lieu of the flags, American eagles, and other graphical ways many of those exercising their right of free speech in these troubled and polarized times must telegraph their love of this country and of the principles of democracy. The illustration is also a nod to the long tradition of folk music as an ally in working people's struggle for their rights. (And—it was available in a convenient template, great for getting a website put together in a few days!)

Caveat: This site reflects my personal beliefs and commitments as a citizen. Its scope may expand beyond that in future, but for now I don't pretend it to be otherwise. I am also deeply committed to efforts to create safe spaces for people with widely differing views and beliefs to come together in dialogue. But that is a different (though complementary) aim to the mission of this site, and will require different forms and community efforts. I welcome any and all reactions, if civilly expressed; but if you strongly disagree, by all means write your own songs and put up your own website!