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© 2012 AFPSpringsteen favored to write new U.S. anthem: poll
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© 2012 AFP
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Chuck McCrossan
...and the tune is from an old English bar song. :)
2020hindsights
Didn't he already? Born in the USA. The irony is that it's an anthem that is critical of the US, which is lost on most Americans. Hell, the GOP used it as a theme song.
thesedreams
As much as I would like to think that Springsteen would write a song so critical of the U.S. that America would finally get its act back together, most Americans won't understand it, just like they don't understand Born in the USA, a song which proves dyed-in-the-wool Americans to be completely stupid.
Ben Jack
A country's anthem is not supposed to be a criticism of that country. That is not what the word anthem means.
thesedreams
Tell that to the 22 percent who voted for Springsteen of all people.
And FYI, I can be in favor of any sort of anthem I like. Its the American way. Its my way. Its obviously not your way.
Fadamor
An anthem is supposed to represent what a country is about, and "Born in the U.S.A." pretty much sums the country up to a "T".
Here's an interesting summary of the "Grand Old Party's Blunder" back in '84:
http://www.overthinkingit.com/2009/07/03/born-in-the-usa-our-most-misappropriated-patriotic-song/
Ben Jack
He is a very popular US artist. That is why people voted for him.
Yes, you can. I am merely explaining that your definition does not match the dictionary's. Anthem means a song of celebration.
thesedreams
And I think Americans should celebrate their shame before their heads inflate to the point of exploding.
Will you now educate me on what I should think the word celebrate means?
Ben Jack
You have every right to imagine any kind of celebration or anthem you would like. However, I think it is unrealistic to expect a majority of US citizens to vote for an anthem that is critical of their own country. Bruce Springsteen's come back is due to his hit album 'The Rising' which was an album of songs with healing messages and memories of 9/11.
thesedreams
So you are saying they voted for him with no thought as to his politics, but just his popularity?
Do you have any idea how much you just insulted those people?
I would like to think that most of the 22 percent voted for Springsteen precisely because of his politics. I would like to see Born in the U.S.A. as the anthem right now, except for the fact that so many Americans on the political right can't fathom its meaning.
Ben Jack
As I wrote above, Springsteen was a healing force for the US after 9/11 in addition to being an amazing artist. I think Born in the USA is a great song. I am just of the opinion that voters were not thinking of that song when they voted for him.
How so? I would assume most people like a musical artist because of their art. Just because Bruce Springsteen was against the Vietnam War does not mean he was or is against the US. Bruce Springsteen is an all-American artist and I think that is why people voted for him. I do not think it was because they were hoping for something along the lines of Born in the USA.
lucabrasi
Why not? It worked for George W.... Oh, sorry I thought you said pissartist.
thesedreams
Because you said they are unable to think for themselves.
Before you said they voted for him because he was popular.
Its not me you have to tell that criticism is not hate. I love America pretty much the same way that fellow liberal Springsteen does. And I agree with criticisms. In fact, I want more. But I seriously doubt that is why people voted for Springsteen. My suspicion is that precious few thought that far ahead.
Ben Jack
Didn't you read my response just before your post? It responds to most of your points in your last post.
I never said anyone was unable to think for themselves. As far as I can see, you are the only one making such suggestions. Bruce Springsteen is popular because of his art.
I agree and that is what I have been saying. What was your point again?
Ben Jack
I would just like to point out the irony of someone who mistakenly suggested I insulted people who voted for Springsteen would then write the above quote. What is that expression again about stones and glass houses?
Nessie
What, again?
thesedreams
And I would like to point out that you insulted them not for voting for Springsteen but for your suggestion of their reasoning, or lack thereof, for their choice.
It is far more insulting to say they only picked him because he was popular than to suggest that they did not think it through enough. The first suggests they are too stupid to think at all, and the second suggests they are average people, and the world is full of them. After all, GWB did get two terms and Springsteen is totally against him.
I approve of the choice of Springsteen, because he will probably write an anthem for the people, not for the government, not for the CIA, not for the masters, and certainly not for war. I doubt there will be any waxing sentimental over rockets red glare from Springsteen.
Ben Jack
I did no such thing, as I have explained several times.
Never said that. I merely wrote they picked him because he was popular and that he was popular because of his music. You know, because his music is popular.
You suggested on one hand that people picked him because of his political views and then you say that precious few of the people who picked him had thought that far ahead. ie: You are not making much sense. You might want to consider quitting while you are ahead this time.
First of all, I doubt there will be a new anthem. Second, I doubt very highly it will contain the critical content you seemed to be hoping for in your first posts here. If, and this is a huge if, there were ever going to be a new anthem and if Springsteen wrote it, I am sure it would contain positive images of the country.
Herve Nmn L'Eisa
Sting's "I'll Be Watching You" would be about right.
edojin
I hail from Francis Scott Key country back in Maryland. My school classmate once lived in the house where he lived (his father owned a lot of farmland there ages ago). Probably because of these facts, I prefer keeping the present "Star Bangled Banner" anthem. I grew up with it, and when I hear it I know it's American.
As for Springsteen writing a new one ... would like to hear it before passing judgment on it ...
state broken people
springsteen was not bad way back when he just described things, people's hopes and whatnot. but now he preaches. jay-z? not even worth commenting on.
Bartholomew Harte
I think this country has just about had it with "Progressives" & their ideas about "Change". I grew up singing this version and generations before me.as well! If if ain't broke Dont "Fix" it-(The Anthem,that is!)
Stranger_in_a_Strange_Land
I think this country has just about had it with "Conservatives" & their fear of "Change". I grew up mouthing the words to this lame song and generations before me.as well! If ain't good "Fix" it-(The Anthem,that is!)
Bgood41
America is changing and maturing as part of American experiences (e.g. Obama presidency). But this one lol, lol, lol...Bruce "the Boss"? he will be busy to campaign for Obama and taking care of supposedly a bees farm on his huge mansion in New Jersey, thus paying less on property tax due to a (1%?) special loophole in the tax law. We need a better poll on this issue. Cheers....bots.
sfjp330
While the guy can write one heck of a song, his political hypocrisy is such a joke. The guy has gotten rich off capitalism in America but advocates socialism at every turn. Perhaps he should give up all his money before he tries to take away everyone elses.
thesedreams
Socialist countries have capitalism. That is why they aren't communist. So many here are so badly in need of an education.
Mind you, I am not agreeing that Springsteen is a socialist. I have no idea where sfjp330 got that idea either.
sfjp330
Springsteen, you're not so original. Your messiah has been slamming the U.S. during overseas visits for three and a half years. Why don't you pull your millions out the bank and out of Wall Street and stuff them under your mattress?
Ben Jack
Actually, I still have no idea how you could say 22% of people voted for Springsteen because of his politics and then claim that most of those people had not thought that far ahead.
I disagree with so many, however, I can clearly see that some people do not think things through before they post.
Ben Jack
Amazing, isn't it?
Fadamor
No, we DO need a new anthem. This one has been the National Anthem for 81 years which is all well and good, but the music is from a British "men's social club" song!
We need to have a song that is truly "Made in America".
Thunderbird2
Why not get Simon Cowell to create a new TV series - "Anthem Factor"... That way the great unwashed can vote on what truly matters to you yanks, and have a hit single in the process ^_^
lucabrasi
Right, because that's how socialism works, right? I guess that's what they tell the kids at school down in Alabama, though, eh? And what they tell each other at the local Teaparty barbecue.
"Ain't you never noticed, Jethro, how "Socialism" and "Satan" both begin wi' a "S"? Sure as hell, that ain't no coincidence, no Siree."
Sheesh.