Darryl Worley - Keep the Change [Week 3: Country]

When it comes to country and the government, there is definitely a favorite angle: the soldiers. As shown in my last post, the position of a soldier is seen as heroic and noble in this particular genre (as well it should be) and is very often praised as such. I found songs from the point of view of the mother, father, brother, wife, girlfriend, and best friend of a soldier, not to mention the numerous songs from the soldier's point of view. There are songs about soldiers dying in duty, soldiers coming home, soldiers in the mud, and soldiers praying. In essence, I could have written an entire blog as a tribute to the military using only country songs. I love and respect the military as much as anyone, but I knew there had to be more politics than that to talk about for my week 3 blogs.

I came up with Darryl Worley's "Keep the Change" because I was looking for a country protest song. I had a million and one songs to support "America," but I went on the hunt for something quite opposite. This is as close as I got.

Now the fat cats on the hill actin' so brilliant

Ain't smart enough to notice

That we're angry

And that America's in trouble

If they don't wise-up and stop

Bustin' out the blocks that were laid

As a foundation well our nation

Could wake up in a pile of ruble

They say we're makin' progress

But it's a big old shame to me

Common sense ain't near as common

As it used to be

It's not much for specifics, but I think we all know who exactly can "keep the change." The protest song of country comes, not surprisingly, to a new president who goes against the country idea of a "true American." Country artists and fans tend to lean toward God, guns, prayer, hard work, respect, backbone (sticking to your convictions), justice, and honesty.  Though some of these traits fall on both sides of the political spectrum (remember, Mr. Political - Toby Keith - is openly a democrat!) I do not think that country sees any of these traits in Obama. Supported by bumper stickers sporting the message "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom, you keep the change," Darryl Worley is right in saying there's a bunch of us out here that feel the same.

Still, even as a "protest" song of country, it pales in comparison to the protests in other genres. I think this is because country music never gives up on "America." They can loose faith in the president, the society, new laws, and other "changes," but they never give up on the Red White and Blue. To country, preserving true American values is a battle to be fought every day, by sticking to your guns, so to speak. 

if you see me hold my hand over my heart

Before i start the pledge of allegiance

There's a reason

It's to honor those who died

(I would like to comment that I thought the picture in the video here - of Obama NOT covering his heart -was very well placed.)

And if you see me close my eyes and bow my head

Before i break bread with my family

It ain't a habit it's important

It's my right

Country protest doesn't support the anarchy of punk and rap. They don't say "cheat the system" or "beat the system" and surely not "F*** the system" but only "hey, lets FIX the system." In that respect I think their approach to politics is the most constructive. It doesn't have the shock value, but at least it has the right idea.