Introducing . . . Ruthless Mike

Welcome to my Substack, a place for me to be free to share inspiration and information pertinent to the river of vision.

This song was written on October 13, 2021. And first performed on February 19, 2022. I wanted to release it then. But I thought I should first share it with some of my other bandmates. The first one I sent it to promptly left the band. Another banned me from his place of business.** So, I sat on my hands some more. 

Eventually, I took the step of sharing an unlisted link amongst like minded folks in the health freedom community. The response was wonderful. But the reach was strained.

Still, we (I) hemmed and hawed about if/when this should have a proper release on our official band channels. As songwriters, troubadours, folk singers, poets, truth-tellers, (etc.) it seemed inane to be holding back our truths during these phenomenally charged times. 

After a short water fast in early December I had something of an epiphany:

It’s unimportant how this song comes out, what’s important is that it’s out. 

And, so, rekindled from obscurity, coined by the late, great, Bob Fass of WBAI’s Radio Unnameable, my handle (mostly utilized as a joke on Instagram): Ruthless Mike.

This page will be a place not only to share my own work for a “new audience,” but also articles, videos and interviews I believe to be important and relevant to understanding the burgeoning paradigm shift we are collectively experiencing.

No more just earmarking pertinent links on an ever-increasing, semi-organized “note” in my stupid iPhone, no more making pretend; ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, welcome to ruthlessmike.substack.com. 

∞ ∞ ∞

Make Pretend

A long long long time ago back when I was then
Life was so much simpler than it has been here since

And, sure, we had our problems with our mythology
But at least the world was free to roam and no one was scared of me

Now I can’t go to my favorite show or speak free with my pen
Despite the fact I’m healthier than I have ever been 

And even with my oldest friends I have to lie to them
When certain subjects do come up and I play make pretend

And polarized don’t even come close It’s more like a chasm sky 
In the hearts of those who I once thought had open minds 

And my own family looks at me like I’m some kind of freak 
Because I choose the natural remedies of which history speaks 

Let thy food by thy medicine and sunlight drink it in
Bathe yourself in forests and surround yourself with friends 

And keep your light burning in the ocean of your mind 
Let it all flow freely through your limbs and skin and spine *

But the signs all say I’m not allowed in the city that never sleeps 
While the hospitals are filled up with folks who think they’re safe from this disease

And I’m not saying it’s anyone’s fault, I’m not sayin it’s yours
Medicine’s bureaucracy’s written well behind closed doors

With the lobbyist money pourin’ in from their revolving door
That man who is your congressman guess who he soon will work for 

And If I were to speak any of this would you cancel me outright
Despite the peace I’ve tried to create here throughout my life?

Many tides turn slowly, storms roll out to sea
Remember that I am your friend and not your enemy 

A long long long time ago back when I was then
Life was so much simpler than it has been here since

*(in all the excitement and adrenaline of singing this for an audience for the first time I left out this verse.)

“Make Pretend” 
Words and music by Mike Merenda 
"Ruthless Mike" 
© Shake Sugaree Music, ASCAP 2023

** (truth be told, it was my Terrain Theory podcast that prompted this particular collaborator to cancel me. I have no idea if he heard this song.)