Paul Martin

Born a Happy Heathen Paul Martin

Although I had written a few songs in 1999 that touched on Freethought, I hadn't really given it much thought especially since I hadn't realized yet that there were other people with the same ideas. It wasn't until 9-11-2001, that I started to focus on the effects of religion in the world. I was asking myself "What the hell is going on in the world", still not realizing that there were lots of people asking similar questions and many more that challenged the superstitious state of the world. I offer no apology to anyone who may be offended or feel that these songs are disrespectful of their church, religion, or beliefs! For me, the real offense happens when innocent children are indoctrinated with religious dogma that are nothing more than myths and superstition and often fanatical ideas about the world, laws, raising children, women, and basic human rights. The sometimes, lifelong mental and emotional damage, done by parents, teachers, and religious authorities on young impressionable minds is the most disrespectful, almost criminal act, perpetrated on future generations. This is where Happy Heathen comes from; understanding that we are all innocent, open minds and hearts at birth. We are all born Happy Heathens, regardless of culture, geography, nationality, ethnicity, or whatever our parents/society believe. Bottom line is that we all have to decide for ourselves. The important thing for me is that we each get to freely choose and decide for ourselves. If anything, what I am trying to say on the CD Born A Happy Heathen, is WAKE UP, QUESTION EVERYTHING, and THINK FOR YOURSELF. I like to remind myself every once in a while...