Country Anthem
Unveiling the American Paradox: Hoyt Axton's Country Anthem Reflections
Lyrics
Do you really think you'd recognise him,
Expressing doubt about the ability to recognize someone, possibly referring to a significant figure.
If he came walkin' up to you?
Questioning if the mentioned person would be identifiable when encountered.
If he came back again, they'd hit him in the head.
Suggesting a negative reception if the person returned, facing hostility and rejection.
And nail him to the doorway of their lies.
Imagining a harsh response, symbolized by nailing to a doorway, for confronting falsehoods.
An' they would not blame each other,
Highlighting a lack of mutual accountability, even among close relations.
But another crazy brother,
Portraying a tendency to blame others, represented by "another crazy brother."
An' salute the flag an' mother when he died.
Describing a patriotic response to death, saluting the flag and mother, potentially reflecting societal values.
And count the blood red silver in their minds.
Suggesting a fixation on material wealth and the impact of violence on the mind.
And count the lives of children like their dimes.
Commenting on the devaluation of children's lives, drawing a parallel with counting money (dimes).
An' what's a dime, one more time?
Raising a rhetorical question about the significance of a dime, prompting reflection on value and priorities.
New release. Mmm mmm mmm.
Indicating a new release or development, possibly a shift in perspective or events.
Instrumental break.
Marking an instrumental break in the song, allowing for a musical interlude.
I'd like to sing our country's anthem,
Expressing a desire to sing the country's anthem, reflecting a patriotic sentiment.
But I can't seem to make it ring.
Acknowledging difficulty in making the anthem resonate or have an impact.
Old Frank Keyes, the man who wrote it,
Mentioning the original author, Frank Keyes, and implying his lack of vocal rendition.
Obviously didn't sing.
Emphasizing the contrast between the desire to sing the anthem and the author's inability to do so.
Instrumental break.
Another instrumental break in the song, providing space for musical expression.
Mmmm.
Ending with a vocalized sound, possibly indicating an unresolved or contemplative conclusion.
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