Read the Lyrics! Bruce Springsteen didn’t write “Born in the U.S.A.” to protest Islamic centers
August 22, 2010
Over at Alan Colmes Liberaland, I was reading about protests near the Islamic Center two blocks away from Ground Zero, when this struck me:
Opponents chanted “No mosque, no way!” and carried signs reading, “9-11-01: Never Forget,” as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” blared over loudspeakers.
I’m well aware that the more patriotic someone is, the more they’re able to overlook the fact that Springsteen’s hit is not in fact a patriotic homage to America, but instead a song dedicated to the lower middle-class being used as fodder for war and their experiences upon returning.
But it’s really, really silly. Here are the lyrics, and you tell me if Springsteen’s aim was to tell Muslims they couldn’t build a mosque:
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.
Born down in a dead man’s town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that’s been beat too much
‘Til you spend half your life just covering up
[chorus:]
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I got in a little hometown jam
And so they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man
[chorus]
Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says “Son if it was up to me”
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said “Son don’t you understand”
[chorus]
I had a buddy at Khe Sahn
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They’re still there, he’s all gone
He had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms
Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I’m ten years down the road
Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go
I’m a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I’m a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Seriously, people, I’m sure some country singer has penned a song that glorifies all things America. But Springsteen didn’t. And you just look like idiots when you try and pretend otherwise.
–WKW
Afternoon Music Break with Mark Gormley
August 17, 2010
I always try and promote young new artists here at the Chronicles. Today, we look at singer Mark Gormley and a girl who looks REALLY uncomfortable:
Now go and behold the awesome power and glory of Mark Gormley!
–WKW
HT Michael
William K. Wolfrum’s Morning – July 15, 2010
July 15, 2010
The Debate is over. The chicken came first.
News
Utah’s List: So someone in the Utah government releases a list of names of alleged illegal immigrants and sends it all around. Can someone explain to me again how Obama is the Nazi?
NSA Whistleblower: Thomas Drake was concerned about your privacy. The NSA wasn’t. Now he’s facing 35 years in jail.
Gay Marriage Legalized in Argentina: It passes Senate and Argentine President will sign. This is what standing up for the rights of others looks like.
BPs Oil Disaster: As the world learns BP lobbied for a terrorist’s release, it waits for a “crucial test” of a new cap on its oil geyser. Don’t be hopeful.
Sports
British Open: Tiger Woods and John Daly are first-round stars. No one harmed.
ESPYs: Wait, they still hold the ESPYs? Why?
Bible Verse of the Day
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 23:1)
Blogs
Huffington Post: If it’s a pseudoscientific story that involves Big Pharma, Huffington will run it, and readers will agree with it.
The Daily Beast: Sarah Palin will run in 2012. Looks that way to me, too.
Genghis: I Am Israel, Hear Me Kvetch!
Rising Hegemon: Obviously, bloggers have no ethics whatsoever.
Odd
I swear to Allah this monkey would behead you if it could.
Taliban Training Jihadist Monkeys: And not just jihadist monkeys – BLACK PANTHER Jihadist Monkeys!
–WKW
Patriots! Enter the hot, new music contest for Militia Members and Get Rocked!
October 19, 2009
If you answered “yes” to those questions, then we want you to “Get Rocked!” in the Third Annual “Militia Members Get Rocked Music contest!” Why join? With a grand prize of $50,000 and a record deal from Fox News Music, you and your band will be on your way to greatness!
But there’s more! The “Militia Members Get Rocked” music contest is looking for all patriotic militia members that sing, write songs or even just enjoy music. This is the contest for everyone who believes only a full overthrow of the U.S. government will get things back to the way our Founders intended! And prizes will range from recording gear and equipment to hundreds of cash prizes!
Why are we doing it? Because we know patriotic, god-fearing Militia Members love their music and have the chance to break through. Edgy lyrics and chaotic beats are the wave of the future, and we want to catch that wave with you. Mostly though, we firmly believe that armed militias in the U.S. don’t get the attention they deserve. We know there’s a lot of you out there and we want you to Get Rocked!
Entering is easy. Just send a letter to contest headquarters, including a tape of your band, why you love music and telling us what you’ve done personally to overthrow the nation. The crazier the better! Just make sure to sign the letter. Send it to:
Militia Members Get Rocked! Music contest
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
Patriots, this is your chance. We know you aren’t all about trying to cause racial wars and violent overthrow of the government with your well-armed militia. You are also about the music. So enter the contest and Get Rocked!
–WKW
Thanks to Angelos for official “Militia Members Get Rocked Poster”
Children molested by Michael Jackson: “He Molested Us and Ruined Our Lives, But Thriller was Freakin’ Awesome”
June 29, 2009
NEVERLAND – Several children that had been molested by recently deceased pop star Michael Jackson have come forward to express their thoughts on his death. While none of Jackson’s victims would use their real names out of fear of retaliation from Jackson’s fans, most marveled at the “King of Pop’s” legendary musical careers.
“He was such an amazing talent,” said Bob Jones, now 23 and living in a box underneath the Santa Monica Freeway. “Sure, I still have terrible nightmares, but he really revolutionized pop music.”
Another of Jackson’s former victims came forward to state that Jackson’s legacy should be all about the music.
“I’ve been drunk for the last 14 years, but from what I’ve heard, I haven’t missed much from him,” said Joe Smith, now 24 and living in a San Jose halfway house. “But seriously, his early work was magnificent.”
At least one other of Jackson’s victims praised his dancing ability.
“I mean, the guy created the Moonwalk,” said Ted Lyons, now 26 and residing in San Quentin Prison for a variety of crimes. “It’s pretty much impossible for me to have a relationship due to the horrifying trust issues I’ve had to deal with since I knew Michael, but if I ever had a child, I’d teach him some of MJ’s dance moves.”
In other news, more of Jackson’s surviving victims – several long ago committed suicide and were unavailable for comment – are getting together to write a tribute book to Jackson entitled “Michael Jackson: He Molested Us and Ruined Our Lives, But Thriller was Freakin’ Awesome.”
–WKW
Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race
April 2, 2009
Decades later, I can still listen to this ELO classic on a continuous loop. Mr. Blue Sky is living here today.
–WKW
