Couple Tidbits on Independence Day and Rock

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Today is Independence Day (happy 4th to all), and for those that may (or may not) know, there are a number of classic hits that get HEAVY rotation on the radio for Independece Day. There are, in particular, two artists that have created hits honoring this great country, John Cougar Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.

Let's take a look at some John Mellencamp songs shall we? Mellencamp's hits such as Small Town and Pink Houses really encourage listeners to take pride in what one has and to be appreciative. Small Town in particular was one that he told Rolling Stone that he wrote with the acknowledgement that one doesn't have to be from New York or Los Angeles to enjoy the good life. I don't know if many of you know, but Mellencamp was born in Seymour Ind, and grew up in Bloomington, which by the time of the Scarecrow album (1985), was larger. In 1984, his hit Pink Houses also became a staple of American pop culture and was used countless times in political campaigns and evens (as was Our Country). Basically, Mellencamp wrote it on his way home where he noticed a black man with his cat living just off the freeway where the cat was annoyed at the traffic. The "little pink houses" themseleves refer to the pink "shotgun houses" that were affordable for war veterans past World War II.

Mellencamp's other patriotic mega hit is R.O.C.K. in The USA. The track really pays respect to the signature American 1960s sound and many have (myself included) even compared the melody to hits such as What I Like About You by the Romantics.

Bruce Springsteen is perhaps remembered for two notable American songs. Born to Run from the namesake album, while not neccessariy being about American lifestyle in particular, does feature slight inferences that it's about falling in love and looking for a better life.

But it's his signature song, Born in the USA, also from the namesake album, that has had EVERYONE thinking that it's patriotic. In fact, I made a post about it. You can read more for yourselves at the link there, but in short, I basically analyze the lyrics and it's clear to see that the song has an anti-war message despite the cheerful melody.

At least now when you hear it on TV tonight, you wiill know!

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