U. S. Blues

Listen while you read:https://youtu.be/RTKgSCW-dTk

I'm Uncle Sam, that's who I am
Been hidin' out in a rock and roll band
Shake the hand that shook the hand
Of P.T. Barnum and Charlie Chan

Shine your shoes, light your fuse
Can you use them ol' U.S. Blues?
I'll drink your health, share your wealth
Run your life, steal your wife

Wave that flag, wave it wide and high
Summertime done come and gone, my oh my

Back to back, chicken shack
Son of a gun, better change your act
We're all confused, what's to lose?
You can call this song The United States Blues

~  Robert Hunter / Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead)

Although he is not an uncle yet, this song goes out to my son Sam!  Today he turns a quarter of a century old!  Happy Birthday, Sam!

Even if you know the song, you might enjoy the video linked above, whether or not you've seen it before.  On July 4, 2015, The Grateful Dead played one of their three shows at Soldier Field in Chicago.  Their encore was "U.S. Blues," and viewers were treated to a synchronized light show on the Empire State Building in New York City!  Lighting designer Marc Brickman was responsible for the LED light show, and it was magical.  Seriously, if you've never seen the video of it, click on the link above and be ready to tap your toes in sync with the music and the lights.

"U.S. Blues" was released in 1974 on From the Mars Hotel.  An annotated lyrics site can explain to you the various references, such as P.T. Barnum and Charle Chan, if these characters pre-date your awareness.  My favorite line needs no explanation:  We're all confused, what's to lose?  (Unfortunately, the answer is a lot!)

But this post is for my Sam.  At 25, possibilities spread out before him.  But in terms of careers, he was well on his way . . . until the current administration decided to freeze all "non-essential" government hiring and to begin dismantling the EPA. Having interned for the Bureau of Land Management, Sam was looking toward a career in some branch of government that dealt with environmental issues.  In his eyes now, that dream seems to be fading, and it is taking a toll on his desire to put into practice his knowledge and experience for the betterment of the planet.  This is heart-breaking, and Sam's story is just one of thousands.  Summertime done come and gone, my oh my.  This is a case of the U. S. Blues.

But Sam.  You are smart, you are clever, you are dedicated, you are compassionate.  Shine your shoes, light your fuse, and celebrate your birthday!  I'll drink your health!  I have no doubt that you will have the future toward which you have worked so hard.  Hang in there, buddy.  I love you!  Mom