This song by the Underground Resistance is just as powerful now as it was in the early 90’s when it first dropped in Detroit’s underground house and techno clubs. It is now considered a classic of early techno and is a strong favourite with DJ’s and producers to get the crowd going even today.
The swirling drums and scratchy beats along with the uplifting and powerful call to action for young people to take control of their lives, become autonomous, independent and to move confidently in the direction of their dreams.
This track is just as potent, danceable, energising and full of life now as it was when it was first released. It speaks to me across decades at every age I have ever been and tells me to keep forging ahead even when the path is not clear, the way is dark or when all hope seems to be lost.
In my humble opinion, if you don’t like Underground Resistance you don’t have a heartbeat.
Lyrics: Underground Resistance: Transition
There will come a time in your life when you will ask yourself a series of questions.
Am I happy with who I am?
Am I happy with the people around me?
Am I happy with what I’m doing?
Am I happy with the way my life is going?
Do I have a life or am I just living?
Do not let these questions strain or trouble you just point youself in the direction of your dreams find your strengh in the sound and make your transition.
Do not spend to much time thinking and not enough doing.
Did I try the hardest at any of my dreams?
Did I purposely let others discourage me when I knew I could?
Will I die never knowing what I could have been or could of done?
Do not let these doubts restrain of trouble you just point yourself in the direction of your dreams.
Find your strength in the sound and make your transition.
There will be people who say you can’t – you will.
There will be people who say you dont mix this with that and you will say “watch me”.
There will be people who will say play it safe, thats to risky – you will take that chance and have no fear.
You wont let these questions restrain or trouble you.
You will point yourself in the direction of your dreams.
You will find the sreangth in the sound and make your transition.
For those who know its time to leave the house and go back to the field.
Find your strength in the sound and make your transition.
Who are Underground Resistance?
Mysterious and enigmatic, Underground Resistance are a radical techno and house music collective originating in Detroit, Michigan and releasing music since 1990. They pride themselves on their DIY aesthetic and through their provocative lyrical electronica they showcase themes of militant political resistance against racism, anti-corporate resistance and revolutionary empowerment of young black Americans.
By ignorant people, they were seen as a musical trouble-makers and the equivalent of the Black Panther movement. In reality, Underground Resistance subverted the racist stereotype of the “black trouble-maker” and turned this on its head. Through their provocative, uplifting and joyful techno, Underground Resistance gave young black people with a different way of being and living: an empowering, positive, uplifting and autonomous way of seeing oneself in the world. This is perfectly expressed in their classic techno track “Transition.”
Their themes of empowerment, independence and lifting oneself out of poverty or any bad situation in life have universal appeal across countries, generations and decades. Their legend lives on.
Most of the members of Underground Resistance including Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Carl Craig, Mad Mike, Jeff Mills and Robert Hood went on to achieve huge success as techno producers in the decades after and are responsible for a massive catalogue of music that is the backbone of modern techno. They continue to play to packed out clubs and festivals all over the world. I have had the pleasure of seeing Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Robert Hood and Jeff Mills play live and all of these experiences have been incredible.
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Thanks as always for sharing dear friend
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