Merry Christmas to our readers who celebrate the holiday. Today’s Christmas song is “Christmas in Washington” by Steve Earle. The song first appeared on his El Corazón
As Earle explains in this Austin, Texas performance from 2000, the song is about some of his heroes. Written in the wake of President Bill Clinton’s election in 1996, Earle explains his longing for real progressive change. He invokes the names of people like Woody Guthrie, Emma Goldman, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
It has been more than twenty years since Earle wrote the song. But it seems even more timely this holiday season.
There’s foxes in the hen house;
Cows out in the corn;
The unions have been busted,
Their proud red banners torn;
To listen to the radio
You’d think that all was well;
But you and me and Cisco know
It’s going straight to hell.
Happy holidays.
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(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)
A poignant song, full of feeling. Beautifully constructed and performed.