Fourth of July

Don’t worry, Sean; Neil Diamond was a great songwriter. It’s natural to like some of his songs. I do actually have a collection album of his, in fact. Mind you, his voice isn’t nearly as good these days, so when listening to his songs, you generally want to find the older recordings.

But today is the Fourth of July. As an American, this is an important holiday. Not because of patriotism, but because it’s a celebration of freedom: the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.

All the things that used to make America great. People used to come here looking for freedom:

Coming To America – Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond somehow seemed appropriate today. Here’s what John Adams had to say about Independence Day, though:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

But while it’s really about the Declaration of Independence, I tend to think more about the Bill of Rights. It’s a great document. A lot of the rights listed have been eroded, especially in the last 8 years, but it’s an important indication of what rights we ought to have.

All written by these guys who ran around, did things like illegally boarding ships and tossing all their cargo of tea overboard, and eventually kicked the British out of the country.

Of course, these days, anyone who did stuff like that would be called a terrorist. That is part of the trouble with labels.

I thought I’d play something on the topic of freedom, and this next song came to mind:

Daylight Again / Find the Cost of Freedom – Crosby, Stills, & Nash

I really have to play more of Crosby, Stills and Nash here, but a lot of the songs I’d like to play of theirs aren’t on youtube. Partially because I’d want to play songs from a more obscure album called “Live It Up” with hot dogs on the cover.

Which actually is what July 4th seems to be about these days. Fireworks, hot dogs, and patriotism. Sad, really.

In any case, here’s another song that seemed appropriate:

The Remedy – Jason Mraz

I’ll admit, I really like the flowers in the gun bit in this video. Not to mention the bunny slippers. Used to hear this song on the radio occassionally, and I always kind of enjoyed it.

But, after spending all this time talking about America, I feel like I’m somewhat obligated to give some time to opposing views. Hence this last song:

The War of 1812 – Three Dead Trolls In A Baggie

Ok, I couldn’t resist. You don’t get much about the war of 1812 in history in America, and this is why; they kicked our asses, and burned down the White House.

And, yes, this is from when the Canadian Band “Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie” were in Seattle. And evidentally feeling rather brave.

Anyways, hope everyone’s Fourth of July is a good one…