America the Ugly
America's Underbelly: A Snapshot of Social Struggle
Lyrics
There was a man came to see the USA from a foreign land
Introduction of a man visiting the USA from a foreign land.
To photograph the progress of dear old Uncle Sam
Purpose of the visit: to document the progress of the United States.
He got off the boat in New York went down to the Bowery
Arrival in New York and heading to the Bowery.
I know what the man went to photograph and to see
Anticipation that the man came to photograph and witness.
There were hopeless hungry living dead
Depiction of despair: impoverished and desperate individuals.
Winos who sell their souls for a bottle of a cheapest red
Description of those willing to sacrifice dignity for alcohol.
That's the picture that he wanted
Confirmation that the photographer sought this particular reality.
And that's what he got they say America the ugly today
Summary statement on the captured image: "America the ugly today."
He went to the Appalachians and he saw what we all have seen
Visit to the Appalachians, witnessing poverty and hardship.
Where people live on bread and soup fat back and pinto beans
Details of the daily struggle for survival with basic food.
He saw the hungry children and he photographed the ragged clothes
Observation and documentation of impoverished children.
I guess we're gonna try to tell him that it ain't so
Skepticism about the attempt to deny or downplay the captured reality.
There were good men standin' around with nothing to do
Introduction of idle, unemployed men and pregnant women without shoes.
Pregnant young women who didn't even have a pair of shoes
Highlighting the dire circumstances of pregnant women.
The man got his pictures and what are we going to say America the ugly today
Confirmation that the photographer documented the portrayed conditions.
Then he went to the medicare centers and he saw the old people there
Visit to Medicare centers, focusing on the elderly abandoned by the youth.
It seems that the young generation just didn't want 'em in their hair
Noting generational neglect towards the elderly.
He saw the poor man workin' it out while the mighty rich lives high
Contrast between poor individuals working hard and wealthy living lavishly.
And my friend that brings a gleam to the enemy's eyes
Suggesting that such disparities benefit the nation's enemies.
There were some folks had plenty and some had none at all
Highlighting economic inequality: some have plenty, others have nothing.
The enemy knows when a heart gets hard the country is bound to fall
Warning that a hardened heart leads to a nation's downfall.
If we get heads and hearts together we won't have to hear them say
Advocating unity of hearts and minds to prevent negative portrayals.
America the ugly today America the ugly today
Reiteration of the current negative image: "America the ugly today."
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