Kurt Elling - An American Tune
"American Tune" is a song by Paul Simon. It was the third single from his third studio album, There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973). The song, a meditation on the American experience, is based on the melody of the hymn "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded". In an interview with Tom Moon in 2011, Paul Simon was asked about political references in his songs, and he said: "I don’t write overtly political songs, although American Tune comes pretty close, as it was written just after Nixon was elected."
The lyrics offer a perspective on the American experience; there are references to struggle, weariness, hard work, confusion, and homesickness. The bridge conveys a dream of death and of the Statue of Liberty "sailing away to sea". The song ends with an assertion that "you can't be forever blessed" before the lyrics return to the idea of work, tiredness, and resignation.
Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, GRAMMY winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. The Washington Post lauded, “Since the mid-1990s, no singer in jazz has been as daring, dynamic or interesting as Kurt Elling. With his soaring vocal flights, his edgy lyrics and sense of being on a musical mission, he has come to embody the creative spirit in jazz.” He continues to release sterling jazz projects. If you don't know Kurt, it is my pleasure to introduce you to him.
I guess if there is a message for today in this song from 47 years ago it is, "We got through a lot of shit in the last 5 decades, and we WILL get through this as well."
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