A funky jazz-infused soft-rock duet that challenges judgment, celebrates diversity, and turns social narrow-mindedness into a lesson of what not to be.
Artist: Aton O’Cat & Amanda van Duren
Release date: March 1, 2024
Genre: Funky Jazz / Soft Rock
Theme: Tolerance, diversity, anti-judgment, personal freedom
Music : Joseph J Nota
Lyrics: Joseph J Nota
Mood: Groovy, reflective, assertive, uplifting
For fans of: Jazz-infused rock, socially conscious pop, songs with groove and message
“Great Example” is groove-driven that blends funky jazz rhythms with soft-rock accessibility. It marks the first collaboration between Aton O’Cat and Amanda van Duren and immediately sets the tone for their musical chemistry.
The song confronts everyday judgment: people being reduced to their jobs, their clothes, or their lifestyle choices. Instead of preaching, “Great Example” flips the perspective; using irony to show how narrow-minded behavior becomes a negative role model.
Amanda van Duren’s warm, expressive vocal presence adds contrast and depth to Aton O’Cat’s instrumental delivery, reinforcing the song’s message of openness and human complexity.
At its core, “Great Example” is about redefining values. The narrator addresses someone who:
Judges people by profession
Values appearance over character
Dismisses alternative lifestyles
Confuses material success with personal worth
Rather than attacking aggressively, the song delivers a calm but firm conclusion:
You are my great example....... of what I do not want to be.
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes conscious choice. The song encourages listeners to:
Look beyond labels
Embrace diversity
Allow people to define themselves
Replace judgment with curiosity and tolerance
It’s a song about mental freedom, not rebellion.
Musically, “Great Example” stands out through its elegant fusion:
Funky jazz grooves providing warmth and movement
Soft-rock structure keeping the song accessible
Laid-back rhythmic feel that supports reflection
Clean, organic production letting message and melody breathe
The groove invites listening; the lyrics invite thinking.
Lyrics & Music: Joseph J Nota ©
You always judge people on what kind of work they do
I think that’s a shame because people have so much sides on their personal menu
To you only material things seem to have real value
Maybe one day you learn different values that would be a real breakthrough
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of the way I don’t want things to see
You’re my great example of a life I don’t want to live
You’re my great example of a vision that’s far too primitive
You always judge people by the way they look and dress
I think that’s a pity because people’s insides can give me more happiness
For you someone’s appearance determines the way to your access
Maybe one day you see diversity brings us more progress
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of the way I don’t want things to see
You’re my great example of a life I don’t want to live
You’re my great example of a vision that’s far too primitive
You always want to predestine for other people according the way you see
I find that’s annoying because people should be the way they want to be
With people who have a free lifestyle you disagree
Maybe one day you find out that tolerance sets your mind free
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of the way I don’t want things to see
You’re my great example of a life I don’t want to live
You’re my great example of a vision that’s far too primitive
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
You’re my great example of how I don’t want to be
“Great Example” challenges judgmental thinking and promotes tolerance, diversity, and openness.
The song is performed by Aton O’Cat and Amanda van Duren.
Both lyrics and music were written by Joseph J. Nota.
A fusion of funky jazz and soft rock.
Because the person addressed serves as an example of what not to become.
That judging people by appearance, job, or lifestyle limits understanding and progress.
The smooth groove allows reflection rather than confrontation.
No, it’s a social and human message rather than a political statement.
Her vocal tone adds warmth and balance, reinforcing the song’s inclusive message.
Calm empowerment, the confidence to choose openness over judgment.