OR: “… I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong”
It’s funny: In German and English, we recognize the birthdate with “Happy Birthday” or “Fröhliche Gebürtstag” but in French, we recognize the “anniversary”of the day —”Bon anniversaire.”
So, no, not a “happy birthday” for you, US of A. We will acknowledge that you have managed to last 250 years, but happiness is in somewhat short supply today.
It was with tears in my eyes that I posted this over on the Book of Failures. The lyrics are those of the version that Giddens and Simon performed at the Grammy salute to Simon. The change in lyrics is ever-more important today of all days.
“Many’s the time I’ve been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I’ve often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I’m alright, I’m alright
I’m just weary to my bones
Still, you don’t expect to be bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home
I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered
I don’t have a friend who feels at ease
I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered
Or driven to its knees
But it’s alright, it’s alright
For we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
Road we’re traveling on
I wonder what’s gone wrong
I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong
And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying
~ “We didn’t come here on The Mayflower
We came in a ship in a blood red moon” ~
[ORIGINAL: We come on the ship they call The Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon]
We come in the age’s most uncertain hours
And sing an American tune
Oh, and it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright
You can’t be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow’s going to be another working day
And I’m trying to get some rest
That’s all I’m trying to get some rest.”
~~ P. Simon, “An American Tune”
https://youtu.be/67pyIglP79U?si=REXDfUNFNWx1IpjG
