My good friend Jon Foreman, of the band Switchfoot, read my first book, Let Justice Roll Down, and was inspired to write a song about my life. When I asked him about it, these were his words:
“The Sound (John M. Perkins’ Blues)” is a very important song for us as a band. I see so much hatred and fear around me. I see so many people living out their pain. I hear it on the radio. I see it in the headlines. John Perkins’ story needs to be heard. This song was inspired by a man who sang a louder song than hatred. In a world where we are defined by our differences, Mr. Perkins’ life of service and compassion is a tangible demonstration of what it means to live a life of love. Love is the loudest song we could sing. Louder than racism. Louder than fear. Louder than hatred. John Perkins said it right: love is the final fight. We’re excited to hear this song on the radio, louder than pain.
Today I hope to return the favor, because Switchfoot’s song has inspired me to tell a little bit more of my own story—this time through the lens of their lyrics, “Love is the final fight.”