Ensemble Of Coexistence- Maroon 5's Daylight (Playing For Change)

Countless musical instruments are the treasures of various genres and cultures. Each instrument has its own unique sound like various histories entrenched. Throughout history, musicians have been developing various forms of assemblages such as orchestras, ensembles and bands, working to harmonize their instruments perfectly to produce beautiful art.

However, in 2013, there came a completely original ensemble: violins, cellos, ukuleles, Australian Aborigines’ traditional didgeridoos, bases, drums, Indian traditional drums, accordions, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and four vocals of different nationalities. Maroon 5, a famous American rock band, collaborated with 15 teams of musicians from a non-profit organization called Playing for Change to create a music video for their new song, “The Daylight“. This project Playing for Change aims to bring together musicians from all around the world, and it definitely worked in this music video. The musicians play their instruments at different places around the globe: on streets, in a quiet park, on a wide beach. They indulge in music depending on others’ sounds, what they hear out of headsets. What’s more surprising is that all the musicians, with completely different styles, passionately sing and perform, mingling together in perfect harmony. This music video is a refreshing change that prompts the listeners to delight in the fact that they are part of the world, part of humanity. The song really tugs at our heartstrings. However, the charm of this sensational music video seems quite simple: the joy of being together and coexisting.

What would be the greatest joy beyond the instantaneous happiness individuals feel or the relative joy of different standards? Wouldn’t the greatest joy be the moment everyone just exists together of one mind, of the world going beyond the standards and conceptions about joy and happiness we’ve known so far?

Being joyful for being with the world, in the world – that is the happiness of coexisting. We know well that it’s not possible with the mind we currently have, the mind stained with stress and selfishness. Maybe that’s why the music video leaves a greater impression. Through the music and the musicians, the video tells us that the ideal world, one that is filled only with happiness and joy, is one we haven’t reached yet.

The musicians in the music video break the cultural barriers, go beyond prejudice, and play and sing reflecting the coexistence of the world that has become one through thousands of different kinds of instruments and voices (I declare that the lyrics are not really related to the message conveyed in this collaboration). I hope one day, everyone will live happily and enthusiastically with laughter while coexisting with the world, just like this beautiful and joyful ensemble in the music video.