LOVE of nature and concern for a world gone mad are the themes for This Is Our World, a song by singer/songwriter David M. Originally recorded nine years ago through a request from the United Nations, it was rereleased in January.

The self-produced, realigned version of This Is Our World has fresh lyrics and focus to address man’s lack of respect for the environment and the chaotic behaviour of world leaders.

“With the proliferation at this time of wars and conflicts worldwide and the flagrant increased degradation of the planet by man, I felt an urge now to release this song… I am…and feel that most people today are concerned with the state of affairs environmentally…and the outbreak of struggles, conflict, and war today,” David M explained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

To reinforce those views, his team has released a video projecting eroding landscapes, mercurial leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia, and romping children, depicting the possibilities of a tranquil world.

That was what the UN had in mind when they approached David M to compose a song for their Players For Peace programme. The song was recorded and used on a website operated by that organisation for three months before Players For Peace folded.

While This Is Our World has an international message, David M believes it could have been done solely for Jamaica, given the country’s challenges.

“In Jamaica, I feel that while the politics and socio-economic situation has not deteriorated significantly lately, locally, we still need to strive for improvements and better in our living conditions and our socio-economically unacceptable state as it is… and tremendously improve our politics and society generally,” he stated.

Maintaining a clean environment is a big deal for David M, who was born David Minott. Since the 1990s he has managed companies that specialise in recycling and waste disposal.

But music has also been a big part of his life. Influenced by Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Sting, he began playing piano at age six, recorded his first song at 17, and at one stage was assigned to producer Gussie Clarke’s Anchor Works studio as a songwriter.

His songs include Here Comes the Sun (with Diana King), Playing to the Moon, and Lest We Forget, a poignant track that, like This Is Our World, expresses optimism despite global turmoil.