Jackson Browne — Lives In the Balance (live)
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Total ratings: 1557
Length: 3:33
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I've been waiting for something to happen
For a week or a month or a year
With the blood in the ink of the headlines
And the sound of the crowd in my ear
You might ask what it takes to remember
When you know that you've seen it before
Where a government lies to a people
And a country is drifting to war
And there's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who send the guns
To the wars that are fought in places
Where their business interest runs
On the radio talk shows and the T.V.
You hear one thing again and again
How the U.S.A. stands for freedom
And we come to the aid of a friend
But who are the ones that we call our friends
These governments killing their own?
Or the people who finally can't take any more
And they pick up a gun or a brick or a stone
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
There's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who fan the flames
Of the wars that are fought in places
Where we can't even say the names
They sell us the President the same way
They sell us our clothes and our cars
They sell us every thing from youth to religion
The same time they sell us our wars
I want to know who the men in the shadows are
I want to hear somebody asking them why
They can be counted on to tell us who our enemies are
But they're never the ones to fight or to die
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
For a week or a month or a year
With the blood in the ink of the headlines
And the sound of the crowd in my ear
You might ask what it takes to remember
When you know that you've seen it before
Where a government lies to a people
And a country is drifting to war
And there's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who send the guns
To the wars that are fought in places
Where their business interest runs
On the radio talk shows and the T.V.
You hear one thing again and again
How the U.S.A. stands for freedom
And we come to the aid of a friend
But who are the ones that we call our friends
These governments killing their own?
Or the people who finally can't take any more
And they pick up a gun or a brick or a stone
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
There's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who fan the flames
Of the wars that are fought in places
Where we can't even say the names
They sell us the President the same way
They sell us our clothes and our cars
They sell us every thing from youth to religion
The same time they sell us our wars
I want to know who the men in the shadows are
I want to hear somebody asking them why
They can be counted on to tell us who our enemies are
But they're never the ones to fight or to die
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
Comments (77)add comment
I really hope some day this song won't be so damned relevant (still).
smartn1 wrote:
U.S. is now ranked 27th. In another 2 years will we slide down to 30?
germany full democracy is a fake and a bad joke! but this song of jackson browne is still a solid 7
U.S. is now ranked 27th. In another 2 years will we slide down to 30?
germany full democracy is a fake and a bad joke! but this song of jackson browne is still a solid 7
Needs to be said..
dmcanany wrote:
2 Iceland 9.58 Full democracy
3 Sweden 9.39 Full democracy
4 New Zealand 9.26 Full democracy
5 Finland 9.25 Full democracy
6 Ireland 9.24 Full democracy
7 Denmark 9.22 Full democracy
8 Canada 9.22 Full democracy
9 Australia 9.09 Full democracy
10 Switzerland 9.03 Full democracy
11 Netherlands 9.01 Full democracy
12 Luxembourg 8.81 Full democracy
13 Germany 8.68 Full democracy
14 United Kingdom 8.52 Full democracy
15 Uruguay 8.38 Full democracy
16 Austria 8.29 Full democracy
17 Spain 8.29 Full democracy
18 Mauritius 8.22 Full democracy
19 Costa Rica 8.13 Full democracy
20 France 8.12 Full democracy
21 Chile 8.08 Full democracy
22 Portugal 8.03 Full democracy
23 South Korea 8.00 Flawed democracy
24 Japan 7.99 Flawed democracy
25 United States 7.96 Flawed Democracy
U.S. is now ranked 27th. In another 2 years will we slide down to 30?
It seems this post has been removed:
"
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*"
But, in response here are some countries that are more free, at least:
1 Norway 9.87 Full democracy2 Iceland 9.58 Full democracy
3 Sweden 9.39 Full democracy
4 New Zealand 9.26 Full democracy
5 Finland 9.25 Full democracy
6 Ireland 9.24 Full democracy
7 Denmark 9.22 Full democracy
8 Canada 9.22 Full democracy
9 Australia 9.09 Full democracy
10 Switzerland 9.03 Full democracy
11 Netherlands 9.01 Full democracy
12 Luxembourg 8.81 Full democracy
13 Germany 8.68 Full democracy
14 United Kingdom 8.52 Full democracy
15 Uruguay 8.38 Full democracy
16 Austria 8.29 Full democracy
17 Spain 8.29 Full democracy
18 Mauritius 8.22 Full democracy
19 Costa Rica 8.13 Full democracy
20 France 8.12 Full democracy
21 Chile 8.08 Full democracy
22 Portugal 8.03 Full democracy
23 South Korea 8.00 Flawed democracy
24 Japan 7.99 Flawed democracy
25 United States 7.96 Flawed Democracy
U.S. is now ranked 27th. In another 2 years will we slide down to 30?
edgiltokyo wrote:
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Some brainwashed people down voted your post.
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Some brainwashed people down voted your post.
fredriley wrote:
I think you have magamites in yer butt, Fred. There's medicine for that, ya know!
This could be written today with imperialist wars popping up wherever there's oil or 'geopolitical interests ' at stake. Plus ça change, plus c'est le même feckin' chose ;-
For yer magamites, this song is as American as you get, fitting into a generations-old tradition of protest songs, going back to Woody Guthry and beyond.
I think you have magamites in yer butt, Fred. There's medicine for that, ya know!
radioparadise9 wrote:
Don't be so blindly ignorant, sheeple. How's Biden holding it up for you?
How's it going in the Trumpian dystopia?
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
Don't be so blindly ignorant, sheeple. How's Biden holding it up for you?
vaiodon wrote:
More like 3,500 years or more...
This song endures, 35 years & the sentiments haven’t changed one iota.
More like 3,500 years or more...
Does the intro/guitar part sound like a Metallica tune?
This could be written today with imperialist wars popping up wherever there's oil or 'geopolitical interests ' at stake. Plus ça change, plus c'est le même feckin' chose ;-\
For yer magamites, this song is as American as you get, fitting into a generations-old tradition of protest songs, going back to Woody Guthry and beyond.
For yer magamites, this song is as American as you get, fitting into a generations-old tradition of protest songs, going back to Woody Guthry and beyond.
vstg005 wrote:
This really hits home right now.
🇺🇦
Yup! Both the USA and Russia being sold another forever war in Ukraine by their respective governments. To the last Ukrainian! Into the breach!
lizardking wrote:
Thank YOU for your service, Sir! And even more important to me; THANK YOU for helping to shed the light on the dog-wagging harm that uses patriotism to allow humans to harm other humans. I'm rating this song a 9 (still) and your comment a 10! Long Live RP!!
Hell, I'm going to 10 on all accounts!
Thank YOU for your service, Sir! And even more important to me; THANK YOU for helping to shed the light on the dog-wagging harm that uses patriotism to allow humans to harm other humans. I'm rating this song a 9 (still) and your comment a 10! Long Live RP!!
Hell, I'm going to 10 on all accounts!
This really hits home right now.
🇺🇦
🇺🇦
2022 and still relevant; and I'm not sure if I'm glad because the song's so good, or sad because the world is still relevant to this song.
A propos today as we wait for Russia to invade Ukraine. :(
radioparadise9 wrote:
You're a douche.
How's it going in the Trumpian dystopia?
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
You're a douche.
This song endures, 35 years & the sentiments haven’t changed one iota.
Great to hear this after so many years. Still relevant today.
How can you hear about a drone hitting the wrong person and not understand how others might see America as culpable?
How can you hear about a drone hitting the wrong person and not understand how others might see America as culpable?
edgiltokyo wrote:
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
What is the concern about reflection to make improvements?
Both can be true - that America is a great country and America can be even better.
Sometimes we celebrate our lives.
Sometimes we sit and reflect on how we can improve ourselves.
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
What is the concern about reflection to make improvements?
Both can be true - that America is a great country and America can be even better.
Sometimes we celebrate our lives.
Sometimes we sit and reflect on how we can improve ourselves.
radioparadise9 wrote:
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
After this last election one can see the bottom rapidly approaching.
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
How's it going in the Trumpian dystopia?
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
A second rate, racist, banana republic unable to protect its Capitol from a seditious mob
The social, cultural and economic defects exposed by Covid are a demonstration of the true situation
We're not laughing with you, we're laughing at you
MAGA
edgiltokyo wrote:
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Just because he has a 1st amendment right to say this (he does), does not mean benhardt57 must listen. Did he ask that this be banned? No.
Further, the 1st only protects Jackson from being silenced by the US government. Facebook, Twitter, BillG, you and I have no such prohibition guaranteed by the 1st.
Yes, I did serve - six years in the Navy from 1985-1991. I was a nuc (RO) on a sub.
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Just because he has a 1st amendment right to say this (he does), does not mean benhardt57 must listen. Did he ask that this be banned? No.
Further, the 1st only protects Jackson from being silenced by the US government. Facebook, Twitter, BillG, you and I have no such prohibition guaranteed by the 1st.
Yes, I did serve - six years in the Navy from 1985-1991. I was a nuc (RO) on a sub.
edgiltokyo wrote:
(Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Oops, don't forget Clinton and Obama. Sir.
(Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Oops, don't forget Clinton and Obama. Sir.
-- Interesting comments interpreting this song in the context of current events.
-- Not saying that's wrong or necessarily out of context, but I think the message in this song makes more sense when placed in the context of its time ... the mid-80's.
-- I'm an American citizen. My view after ~60 years: the USA is great ... and the USA has faults. I judge that there's more of the former than the latter, and I believe I'm fortunate to be a citizen of this country. Then again, to each his own. It's not hard for me to envision how someone in another country, or even here in the USA, could disagree with me. We're all influenced by where we live and what we've experienced.
Peace to all.
-- Not saying that's wrong or necessarily out of context, but I think the message in this song makes more sense when placed in the context of its time ... the mid-80's.
-- I'm an American citizen. My view after ~60 years: the USA is great ... and the USA has faults. I judge that there's more of the former than the latter, and I believe I'm fortunate to be a citizen of this country. Then again, to each his own. It's not hard for me to envision how someone in another country, or even here in the USA, could disagree with me. We're all influenced by where we live and what we've experienced.
Peace to all.
It seems this post has been removed:
"benhardt57 wrote:
2 Iceland 9.58 Full democracy
3 Sweden 9.39 Full democracy
4 New Zealand 9.26 Full democracy
5 Finland 9.25 Full democracy
6 Ireland 9.24 Full democracy
7 Denmark 9.22 Full democracy
8 Canada 9.22 Full democracy
9 Australia 9.09 Full democracy
10 Switzerland 9.03 Full democracy
11 Netherlands 9.01 Full democracy
12 Luxembourg 8.81 Full democracy
13 Germany 8.68 Full democracy
14 United Kingdom 8.52 Full democracy
15 Uruguay 8.38 Full democracy
16 Austria 8.29 Full democracy
17 Spain 8.29 Full democracy
18 Mauritius 8.22 Full democracy
19 Costa Rica 8.13 Full democracy
20 France 8.12 Full democracy
21 Chile 8.08 Full democracy
22 Portugal 8.03 Full democracy
23 South Korea 8.00 Flawed democracy
24 Japan 7.99 Flawed democracy
25 United States 7.96 Flawed Democracy
"benhardt57 wrote:
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*"
But, in response here are some countries that are more free, at least:
1 Norway 9.87 Full democracy2 Iceland 9.58 Full democracy
3 Sweden 9.39 Full democracy
4 New Zealand 9.26 Full democracy
5 Finland 9.25 Full democracy
6 Ireland 9.24 Full democracy
7 Denmark 9.22 Full democracy
8 Canada 9.22 Full democracy
9 Australia 9.09 Full democracy
10 Switzerland 9.03 Full democracy
11 Netherlands 9.01 Full democracy
12 Luxembourg 8.81 Full democracy
13 Germany 8.68 Full democracy
14 United Kingdom 8.52 Full democracy
15 Uruguay 8.38 Full democracy
16 Austria 8.29 Full democracy
17 Spain 8.29 Full democracy
18 Mauritius 8.22 Full democracy
19 Costa Rica 8.13 Full democracy
20 France 8.12 Full democracy
21 Chile 8.08 Full democracy
22 Portugal 8.03 Full democracy
23 South Korea 8.00 Flawed democracy
24 Japan 7.99 Flawed democracy
25 United States 7.96 Flawed Democracy
pfreet wrote:
I think subtlety is lost in the noise these days, and sometimes you just have to make it plain. But.. really this song is 'preaching to the choir' and the people that need to hear it and start thinking for themselves aren't likely to give it a listen.
A tad overbearing. Subtlety has value in protest songs.
I think subtlety is lost in the noise these days, and sometimes you just have to make it plain. But.. really this song is 'preaching to the choir' and the people that need to hear it and start thinking for themselves aren't likely to give it a listen.
A tad overbearing. Subtlety has value in protest songs.
Djoy wrote:
If they aren't in your inner circle, you chase them away, duh.
I know it's been awhile since benhardt57 wrote. S/he may not even be on here any longer.
I hope they still are. That's one of the important things about music. Diverse political views can meet in the tunes.
However, in this case, we aren't talking about opinions. As a number of people pointed out, we are talking historical facts vs. someone who is obviously a victim of fake news and a failure of an educational system that rarely teaches critical thinking skills. So wake up, Bernhardt57, and do some reading of history from someone with respected credentials.
I hope they still are. That's one of the important things about music. Diverse political views can meet in the tunes.
However, in this case, we aren't talking about opinions. As a number of people pointed out, we are talking historical facts vs. someone who is obviously a victim of fake news and a failure of an educational system that rarely teaches critical thinking skills. So wake up, Bernhardt57, and do some reading of history from someone with respected credentials.
If they aren't in your inner circle, you chase them away, duh.
No sir I do not like jacko
I know it's been awhile since benhardt57 wrote. S/he may not even be on here any longer.
I hope they still are. That's one of the important things about music. Diverse political views can meet in the tunes.
However, in this case, we aren't talking about opinions. As a number of people pointed out, we are talking historical facts vs. someone who is obviously a victim of fake news and a failure of an educational system that rarely teaches critical thinking skills. So wake up, Bernhardt57, and do some reading of history from someone with respected credentials.
I hope they still are. That's one of the important things about music. Diverse political views can meet in the tunes.
However, in this case, we aren't talking about opinions. As a number of people pointed out, we are talking historical facts vs. someone who is obviously a victim of fake news and a failure of an educational system that rarely teaches critical thinking skills. So wake up, Bernhardt57, and do some reading of history from someone with respected credentials.
Zep wrote:
Huh! I knew a guy named Ben Hardt and he was born in 1957. Wonder if you're he? Virginia?
Anyway, if you want to be king of the world, you better expect to withstand some shots at your morality and conduct every now and then, and to own up when you make mistakes. Many people want to come here, yes, but many also want to make the US a better place. You quote "MAGA" yet I don't see the current Unhinged doing anything to make it great. Instead, he is busily tearing it down.
There are actually other great countries out there, and that's a pretty lame narrative on which to hang an explanation for America's behavior. I personally love this country, and I also think we can do better. So listen to the criticism, accept it for what it is, and do better.
Speaking Truth, Zep!
Huh! I knew a guy named Ben Hardt and he was born in 1957. Wonder if you're he? Virginia?
Anyway, if you want to be king of the world, you better expect to withstand some shots at your morality and conduct every now and then, and to own up when you make mistakes. Many people want to come here, yes, but many also want to make the US a better place. You quote "MAGA" yet I don't see the current Unhinged doing anything to make it great. Instead, he is busily tearing it down.
There are actually other great countries out there, and that's a pretty lame narrative on which to hang an explanation for America's behavior. I personally love this country, and I also think we can do better. So listen to the criticism, accept it for what it is, and do better.
Speaking Truth, Zep!
benhardt57 wrote:
Huh! I knew a guy named Ben Hardt and he was born in 1957. Wonder if you're he? Virginia?
Anyway, if you want to be king of the world, you better expect to withstand some shots at your morality and conduct every now and then, and to own up when you make mistakes. Many people want to come here, yes, but many also want to make the US a better place. You quote "MAGA" yet I don't see the current Unhinged doing anything to make it great. Instead, he is busily tearing it down.
There are actually other great countries out there, and that's a pretty lame narrative on which to hang an explanation for America's behavior. I personally love this country, and I also think we can do better. So listen to the criticism, accept it for what it is, and do better.
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Huh! I knew a guy named Ben Hardt and he was born in 1957. Wonder if you're he? Virginia?
Anyway, if you want to be king of the world, you better expect to withstand some shots at your morality and conduct every now and then, and to own up when you make mistakes. Many people want to come here, yes, but many also want to make the US a better place. You quote "MAGA" yet I don't see the current Unhinged doing anything to make it great. Instead, he is busily tearing it down.
There are actually other great countries out there, and that's a pretty lame narrative on which to hang an explanation for America's behavior. I personally love this country, and I also think we can do better. So listen to the criticism, accept it for what it is, and do better.
radioparadise9 wrote:
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
nope. just blame vague conspiracies and move the bottom.
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
nope. just blame vague conspiracies and move the bottom.
radioparadise9 wrote:
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
Poor benhardt57, Jackson Browne has an opinion. Witch hunt!
So much whining!!!
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
Poor benhardt57, Jackson Browne has an opinion. Witch hunt!
So much whining!!!
benhardt57 wrote:
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Are you tired of winning, yet.
America's humiliation continues ... is there a bottom?
It sounds as though Bruce Cockburn was mashed with 'Enter Sandman'. This is not a Bad Thing.
Any who feels the lyrics are somehow unpatriotic or incorrect really needs to take a closer look at what's going on. Saying "there are worse places" in no way lessens the evils being currently perpetrated in the US.
benhardt57 wrote:
The basic issue is that we all have different ideas on how to make the US better. We never needed to "Make America Great Again" it has always been great and afforded its people a lot of opportunity in comparison to other places. It is not anti-American to want the US to be a better place than it has been. Personally, I don't think that locking asylum seekers in kennel cages exposed to harsh conditions and violating their basic human rights as something that makes America great, or taking away a woman's right to choose what they do with their own body nor is having a criminal in the Oval Office making America great.
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
The basic issue is that we all have different ideas on how to make the US better. We never needed to "Make America Great Again" it has always been great and afforded its people a lot of opportunity in comparison to other places. It is not anti-American to want the US to be a better place than it has been. Personally, I don't think that locking asylum seekers in kennel cages exposed to harsh conditions and violating their basic human rights as something that makes America great, or taking away a woman's right to choose what they do with their own body nor is having a criminal in the Oval Office making America great.
It's the same old song and so filled with truth. Bob Dylan sang a most important similar message, "Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly Before they're forever banned? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind The answer is blowin' in the wind"
And here we are in 2019, the song is still the god damn same, sending our young men and women off to fight senseless wars.
Then we bring 'em home and give them veteran's discounts at The Home Depot and wave the flag and sing their praises.
They deserve so much more. They are heroes that should never have been asked to be heroes. God bless them.
And here we are in 2019, the song is still the god damn same, sending our young men and women off to fight senseless wars.
Then we bring 'em home and give them veteran's discounts at The Home Depot and wave the flag and sing their praises.
They deserve so much more. They are heroes that should never have been asked to be heroes. God bless them.
edgiltokyo wrote:
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Thank YOU for your service, Sir! And even more important to me; THANK YOU for helping to shed the light on the dog-wagging harm that uses patriotism to allow humans to harm other humans. I'm rating this song a 9 (still) and your comment a 10! Long Live RP!!
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Thank YOU for your service, Sir! And even more important to me; THANK YOU for helping to shed the light on the dog-wagging harm that uses patriotism to allow humans to harm other humans. I'm rating this song a 9 (still) and your comment a 10! Long Live RP!!
How old is this song now? Yet it is just as pertinent as it has ever been. Human beings; we just don't seem capable of real change, do we?
So it goes.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
So it goes.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
kingart wrote:
We are on the cusp.
MAABRFTFT! Make America A Banana Republic For The First Time!
We are on the cusp.
MAABRFTFT! Make America A Banana Republic For The First Time!
benhardt57 wrote:
Because hanging around to watch him go to jail will be so much damn fun.
. . . Or you could find out where all the celebrities moved to when Trump won the election, and move there with them. Oh wait, none of them actually followed through. Hmmm, I wonder why.
Because hanging around to watch him go to jail will be so much damn fun.
Ooooo....struck some nerves.
Again, if it is so bad here, I hear that Venezuela is nice this time of year.
Or you could find out where all the celebrities moved to when Trump won the election, and move there with them. Oh wait, none of them actually followed through. Hmmm, I wonder why.
Again, if it is so bad here, I hear that Venezuela is nice this time of year.
Or you could find out where all the celebrities moved to when Trump won the election, and move there with them. Oh wait, none of them actually followed through. Hmmm, I wonder why.
YES!
...and he sure as hell didn't watch Ken Burn's Vietnam. He wasn't paying attention when the CIA imported cocaine from those same Central American countries to buy weapons to sell to the Iranians (just 5 years after the hostage crisis, btw) either, I'm guessing. Probably didn't know that we sold weapons to both sides during that Iraq/Iran war. Or that we turned our backs on the Shiites, that we promised to protect after the first gulf war, leaving them to the tender mercies of Saddam Hussein. Or that we turned our backs on our loyal Iraqi and Afghani interpreters during GWOT. But I digress...
It's one thing to be proud to be an American but, a proud American is an informed American. One that is aware of both the good and the bad and wants our country to strive for the former. It's yet another to put on a blindfold and engage in performative patriotism whilst badmouthing the very institutions that inform the populace. Sad. Not goodly.
gjeeg wrote:
...and he sure as hell didn't watch Ken Burn's Vietnam. He wasn't paying attention when the CIA imported cocaine from those same Central American countries to buy weapons to sell to the Iranians (just 5 years after the hostage crisis, btw) either, I'm guessing. Probably didn't know that we sold weapons to both sides during that Iraq/Iran war. Or that we turned our backs on the Shiites, that we promised to protect after the first gulf war, leaving them to the tender mercies of Saddam Hussein. Or that we turned our backs on our loyal Iraqi and Afghani interpreters during GWOT. But I digress...
It's one thing to be proud to be an American but, a proud American is an informed American. One that is aware of both the good and the bad and wants our country to strive for the former. It's yet another to put on a blindfold and engage in performative patriotism whilst badmouthing the very institutions that inform the populace. Sad. Not goodly.
gjeeg wrote:
My god, another clueless "maga" paleolith.
You have no ears.
You didn't hear a word of the song. Nor were you conscious in the 80's. Or the 60's. Or now.
You are unconscious. But happy to salute the orange fascist.
Have you heard of the U.S. funded and directed "death squads" that roamed throughout Central America in the 1980's terrorizing innocents in the service of the worst dictators the world has known? No, you haven't.
You are unconscious. And the song whistled right past you..... benhardt57 wrote:
You have no ears.
You didn't hear a word of the song. Nor were you conscious in the 80's. Or the 60's. Or now.
You are unconscious. But happy to salute the orange fascist.
Have you heard of the U.S. funded and directed "death squads" that roamed throughout Central America in the 1980's terrorizing innocents in the service of the worst dictators the world has known? No, you haven't.
You are unconscious. And the song whistled right past you..... benhardt57 wrote:
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
My god, another clueless "maga" paleolith.
You have no ears.
You didn't hear a word of the song. Nor were you conscious in the 80's. Or the 60's. Or now.
You are unconscious. But happy to salute the orange fascist.
Have you heard of the U.S. funded and directed "death squads" that roamed throughout Central America in the 1980's terrorizing innocents in the service of the worst dictators the world has known? No, you haven't.
You are unconscious. And the song whistled right past you..... benhardt57 wrote:
You have no ears.
You didn't hear a word of the song. Nor were you conscious in the 80's. Or the 60's. Or now.
You are unconscious. But happy to salute the orange fascist.
Have you heard of the U.S. funded and directed "death squads" that roamed throughout Central America in the 1980's terrorizing innocents in the service of the worst dictators the world has known? No, you haven't.
You are unconscious. And the song whistled right past you..... benhardt57 wrote:
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
benhardt57 wrote:
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
Dear Sir,
Jackson Browne released this song in 1986. If you were thinking that it was written about modern days you are incorrect and yet it is very much apropos. That being said, your statement is completely incorrect and flies in the face of the first amendment of the US Constitution. There is a long history of artists of all kinds using their voice to protest.
If you are in the believe that all acts of aggression taken by the United States of America are in the right then you should take time to review the history and stop blindly following what the dog-waggers would have you believe (Bush/Rumsfeld is a great place to start). Follow the money, sir, follow the money.
Now, before you jump all over me as un-American. I served six years in the US Navy. Have you ever served?
Overall, I'm a Browne fan. But I can't swallow the anti-American BS that the pop culture and education system has been diligently shoving down the throats of our youth. If it is so bad here then why are millions of people from all over the world wanting to come here.
Let's see the list of all the great countries out there that are better and more free with more opportunities than here.....Mr. Browne.
*MAGA*
For some reason this sounded like a cover of Nils Lofgren's "Keith Don't Go" at first...
Realpolitik takes a lyrical hammering!
Never more true.
Wow, not sure exactly when this tune was written, seems like it could have been anytime in the last century, or it could have just been written. Amazing how a few chords, deep lyrics and strong voice can get a point across, and I really hope that we (Earthlings) can all raise up against all that is wrong with the world. Too much oppression still, debt/slavery and not enough true love, happiness and understanding in the world.
I'm also getting a George Harrison "Bangladesh" vibe from this track - which reminds me....I haven't heard that track on RP yet! Maybe the next time when BillG does a "social consciousness" playlist, eh there BillG?
Here's to PEACE, LOVE, HAPPINESS, UNDERSTANDING, and ROCK&ROLL - LONG LIVE RP!!
Bill,
please play this daily
please play this daily
I'm hearing a little Led Zeppelin in that guitar. Just me?
... we hear that the USA stands for freedom and we come to the aid of our friends.
Nope, not today, not anymore.
... they sell us our president.
#45 going cheap, real cheap.
Nope, not today, not anymore.
... they sell us our president.
#45 going cheap, real cheap.
Untouchably excellent, IMHO
I love the truth! 9
I love this song, but there are at least a couple of recordings of it that I like much better, especially the live one with Crosby and Nash.
AndyJ wrote:
I'm not sure what you are saying. Do you think his words are somehow demeaning to the USA and therefore not PC? Have you found some sort of nationalistic meaning in them I've missed? A pride that I can 't see? His lyrics cut a deep wound in US foreign policy. An ugly, hard to heal wound.
Politically Incorrect lyrics by UC Berkeley standards today. Cannot say "Land of Freedom or Land of Opportunity without being rebuked and corrected. The current newspapers and screaming TVs indicate we're headed for ugliness. Lots of ugliness and bloody stuff. Chickens roosts and so on...
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
I'm not sure what you are saying. Do you think his words are somehow demeaning to the USA and therefore not PC? Have you found some sort of nationalistic meaning in them I've missed? A pride that I can 't see? His lyrics cut a deep wound in US foreign policy. An ugly, hard to heal wound.
I started to comment about this one and then James McMurtry started "Levelland". I think I'll just shut up, listen, and count my blessings like AndyJ.
AndyJ wrote:
The Princeton Open Campus Coalition sent a well-thought, well-written letter to President Eisgruber yesterday about the campus PC problem.
Politically Incorrect lyrics by UC Berkeley standards today. Cannot say "Land of Freedom or Land of Opportunity without being rebuked and corrected. The current newspapers and screaming TVs indicate we're headed for ugliness. Lots of ugliness and bloody stuff. Chickens roosts and so on...
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
The Princeton Open Campus Coalition sent a well-thought, well-written letter to President Eisgruber yesterday about the campus PC problem.
Politically Incorrect lyrics by UC Berkeley standards today. Cannot say "Land of Freedom or Land of Opportunity without being rebuked and corrected. The current newspapers and screaming TVs indicate we're headed for ugliness. Lots of ugliness and bloody stuff. Chickens roosts and so on...
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
I'm glad I am old, Glad I have a beach. Glad there is surf, even if small wind waves.
I am also very, very Glad Radio Paradise plays great music 24 hours a day. I listen on desktop, laptop, cellphone when traveling and most nights via Roku on my wonderful information and entertainment machine. You know, the blue light that promises much, teases often and provides so little. Radio Paradise simply works; mostly entertaining, often educational and rarely annoying. PSD solves that nicely.
Thank you,
Counting my blessings this morning.
Appropriate as folks show a renewed interest in discussing the Iraq War.
Stone cold gem.
All his work.
Never a less-than brilliant composition.
All his work.
Never a less-than brilliant composition.
Tell it like it is, Jackson !! Saw him do one-man acoustic show at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons Colorado a few years back .... still bringin it after all these years. A true master of his craft.
bitbanger wrote:
I thought the point was... make those ones and zeros count. Treat every decision you make/take as if it were connected to something else whether we consider it good, bad or irrelevant. Of course banter on the web, Jackson's lyrics, politics or even wars are irrelevant if they don't move you.
Just a tad curious how much we "spent" on this diddy say versus our cars... or better yet a few drones. Orders of magnitude I imagine.
So Jackson is selling us this diddy about how we are getting sold stuff. Okey Dokey, sure.
I thought the point was... make those ones and zeros count. Treat every decision you make/take as if it were connected to something else whether we consider it good, bad or irrelevant. Of course banter on the web, Jackson's lyrics, politics or even wars are irrelevant if they don't move you.
Just a tad curious how much we "spent" on this diddy say versus our cars... or better yet a few drones. Orders of magnitude I imagine.
bitbanger wrote:
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
..really sounds like he's upset about adverts doesn't it? Listen more carefully.
So Jackson is selling us this diddy about how we are getting sold stuff. Okey Dokey, sure.
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
..really sounds like he's upset about adverts doesn't it? Listen more carefully.
I remember this song in the CASSETTE TAPE of Miami Vice. The live version is rather good, too. Long live the 80s!
TreborG2 wrote:
Which brings us to "bitbanger" - in this time and place, you may take it for of and about selling stuff, commercialism, but in the original time there was a point not related to song sales.. but to weapons, and war.
When a pop musician compains of commercialism there is something of pots and kettles going on. The music business is first and formost a business which sells jingles much like the clothes and cars Mr. Browne compains of. Not much different from political marketing. Same in the 80's as it is now.
Which brings us to "bitbanger" - in this time and place, you may take it for of and about selling stuff, commercialism, but in the original time there was a point not related to song sales.. but to weapons, and war.
When a pop musician compains of commercialism there is something of pots and kettles going on. The music business is first and formost a business which sells jingles much like the clothes and cars Mr. Browne compains of. Not much different from political marketing. Same in the 80's as it is now.
scarletdancer wrote:
Agree'd with "ProjectGemini07" - this version is marginal ... at best. The original album track (is that your studio version "scarletdancer"?) and in its time was much better.
Which brings us to "bitbanger" - in this time and place, you may take it for of and about selling stuff, commercialism, but in the original time there was a point not related to song sales.. but to weapons, and war.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lives_in_the_Balance_%28song%29
In part this version looses a lot by not having the backing of the pan flute and other "world music" instruments and sounds, which evoked the thoughts of this being about something outside of the states.
ProjectGemini07 wrote:
bitbanger wrote:
The studio version of this is one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs. Had not heard this live acoustic version before. Very nice.
Agree'd with "ProjectGemini07" - this version is marginal ... at best. The original album track (is that your studio version "scarletdancer"?) and in its time was much better.
Which brings us to "bitbanger" - in this time and place, you may take it for of and about selling stuff, commercialism, but in the original time there was a point not related to song sales.. but to weapons, and war.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lives_in_the_Balance_%28song%29
In part this version looses a lot by not having the backing of the pan flute and other "world music" instruments and sounds, which evoked the thoughts of this being about something outside of the states.
ProjectGemini07 wrote:
Pretty marginal, both musically and lyrically.
bitbanger wrote:
So Jackson is selling us this diddy about how we are getting sold stuff. Okey Dokey, sure.
The studio version of this is one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs. Had not heard this live acoustic version before. Very nice.
Pretty marginal, both musically and lyrically.
So Jackson is selling us this diddy about how we are getting sold stuff. Okey Dokey, sure.
Misty Mountain Hop?
Anyone hear Led Zeppelin here?