Happy 4th of July, everyone. In honor of our great nation's birthday, it seemed appropriate to post some poetry and songs dealing with America. The Freedom of Speech guaranteed to the people of our country is precious. It allows us all to express ourselves openly and honestly in a variety of ways. So, here are some examples that express patriotism in all its glorious forms.
This is a song from the band Marcy Playground called "America". It describes different parts of America and seeing the beauty in it all, creating a feeling of home:
Then there are songs that look at some of the not so beautiful aspects of America, but the desire of our citizens to want to help. An example is "The Ghost of Tom Joad" by Bruce Springsteen. Tom Joad being the protagonist in the John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath". This song sees the hardship of some American folks and tells the story of a man wanting to help.
There are songs that look at specific people in power in America and question them. An example is Death Cab for Cutie's song "Million Dollar Loan". It captures his feelings on a political figure who, the author felt, was disconnected from the Nation and reality.
And then, there are songs that support our troops. This one reminds us that while the troops fighting need our support, the ones who have returned from war also need our help. This is especially true with the information we now have concerning Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, also called Shell Shock when specifically applied to soldiers) and the alarming rate of suicide and troubles reintegrating into the society for which they fought. This song is called "The American Scream" by The Alkaline Trio and tells of a soldier returning home and not getting the help he needed to maintain a healthy mental state.
Another way to express yourself and your patriotism is with humor. Often, this is done with "satire" or "parody". A great example is Todd Snider's "Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight White American Males". The song makes observations as to the narrator's take on the state of affairs in America and uses humor to explain.
Aside from songs, there are also written poems that express patriotism, all thanks to the Freedom of Speech. Here are a few:
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy living in a country where the freedom to express yourself can lead to beautiful art.
This is a song from the band Marcy Playground called "America". It describes different parts of America and seeing the beauty in it all, creating a feeling of home:
Then there are songs that look at some of the not so beautiful aspects of America, but the desire of our citizens to want to help. An example is "The Ghost of Tom Joad" by Bruce Springsteen. Tom Joad being the protagonist in the John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath". This song sees the hardship of some American folks and tells the story of a man wanting to help.
There are songs that look at specific people in power in America and question them. An example is Death Cab for Cutie's song "Million Dollar Loan". It captures his feelings on a political figure who, the author felt, was disconnected from the Nation and reality.
And then, there are songs that support our troops. This one reminds us that while the troops fighting need our support, the ones who have returned from war also need our help. This is especially true with the information we now have concerning Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, also called Shell Shock when specifically applied to soldiers) and the alarming rate of suicide and troubles reintegrating into the society for which they fought. This song is called "The American Scream" by The Alkaline Trio and tells of a soldier returning home and not getting the help he needed to maintain a healthy mental state.
Another way to express yourself and your patriotism is with humor. Often, this is done with "satire" or "parody". A great example is Todd Snider's "Conservative Christian, Right-Wing Republican, Straight White American Males". The song makes observations as to the narrator's take on the state of affairs in America and uses humor to explain.
Aside from songs, there are also written poems that express patriotism, all thanks to the Freedom of Speech. Here are a few:
- Paul Revere's Ride by H. W. Longfellow (the author uses poetic license to misstate the facts but making an emotional impact)
- The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key (that has become our national anthem)
- The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus (part of which is printed on the Statue of Liberty)
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy living in a country where the freedom to express yourself can lead to beautiful art.
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