Arlon Bennett's Blog

Arlen, as much as I love the dinghys made with wood line, I think the song oversimplifies America’s birth. I think it harkens back too much too Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “I Am a Town” and then becomes more of a hodgepodge of stock images of what we think America is. I think there are too many cliches (keep the light, for instance) for it to be effective–when I read the song and then listened to it, I didn’t feel moved, which is not the usual case for me when listening to your songs.

So, I would say I might reconsider placing this on an album…

Arlen, I agree with much of what Rachel said. As a mom who has a son currently in Iraq, the last verse, got to me, I can’t say why exactly….in a way it reflects the apathy of most people who are very disconnected from the war. (1% of the country is fighting for the rest, and peoples politics do not matter in that equation) Then there are those that are aware and ‘support with only words’ our soldiers, not the government, but the soldiers which is good. Then there are those that do something, anything for a Vet, or for families that are that 1%. Perhaps you could build on that…..(Of course it is a subject close to me…but not something that I believe many others think about at all). I get the message, maybe because I am one of the one percent. As is, I would not put it on the album, too generic for such an important subject. Respectfully, Robyn

ARLON, I of all people (Robyn with a Y) should know better, Argghhh. Sorry about the name having been misspelled, I had a life long friend who’s name was Arlen, and I suspect I also was influenced by Rachel’s earlier post. Still no excuse, my apologies! It might never happen again

I have to disagree with the former two comments on this. Yes, it is simple; simple and straightforward; I can see an audience joining in on the chorus. I don’t think it oversimplifies the birth of a nation; it is a song, a song about our country, not a historical recreation. I give it a go ahead!

Hey Cheryl – send me your Tee size and a mailing address, so I can send you a ‘Being the Change” tee shirt! YOU were one of the first three folks to make a comment on the song. Thanks!