Song of the Day – Marking Eight Years – “Allentown” – Billy Joel

Although I am no longer posting songs every day, and can’t find the optimism to post a daily diversion, I thought it would be good to mark the eight year anniversary of the Song of the Day.

Why this song? Because, even though it was released thirty-five years ago, the lyrics sound a lot like the “reasons” given in the three battleground states that ended up electing the Cheeto. The thing is, what makes them think that, as much as the world has changed over the past 35 years, that we could or would return to those days? That the manufacturers, the CEOs and stockholders, would ever let the days of strong employees return? That it’s possible to give them back the jobs taken by technology and outsourcing?

Well we’re waiting here in Allentown
For the Pennsylvania we never found
For the promises our teachers gave
If we worked hard
If we behaved

So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No they never taught us what was real
Iron and coal
And chromium steel
And we’re waiting here in Allentown