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Ever since Stephen Foster sailed the Swanee Riba the US has been able to find writers with tunes to express their views on life, love and places. It seems likely that some were unappreciated at the time and meanings altered to suit. For example, I think that the Woody Guthrie anthem, " This land is your land " is, in fact, a radical expression of public ownership, rather than a flag waver. 'This machine kills Fascists.' No fence-sitter he.Jimmy Carter used to quote Dylan, who was a giant and recognised even as a very young man. Not by me though. My sister bought a record that had this guy murdering the Peter, Paul and Mary classic. My later problem with him was that the stunners "Blowin' in the Wind " and "Masters of War " were written during the year when the US was not at war.There were few peace songs during the actual fighting years.
I forgive him though. The tunes for me as much as the words. Not, however, Madonna, who apparently ditched her anti-war song because of the fighting in Iraq! Trying to play it both ways. (No pun intended) Nor Britney. "We should support the president. " Rally round.
They also had Elvis. "Before Elvis there was nothing " ...Lennon. No, we had the astonishing contribution of so-called rhythm and blues which is simply rock and roll without the kiss curl. Some say it was all over for Elvis after the first 18 months but his Southern Trilogy despite his size, the corniness and the whiteness, can still startle.
Places in song. A lot of my geography of the States comes from lines in songs, ..the Mississippi... to New Orleans...Route 66 and a million others. These are not embarrassing tributes, as they would be in Britain and it is hard to think of a decent Brit song about a place. "Streets of London " maybe, but that is critical of London and hackneyed, sung to death by earnest Christians. "Flower of Scotland " is a beautiful tune, but you really need to be experimenting with spirits to sing it properly.
