Quite a few years have passed since America celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, but the lyrics of Loudon Wainwright III’s song about the nation’s 200th birthday still ring clear on the eve of Independence Day 2023.

“Hey, America’s having a birthday” is exactly what the Fourth of July means.

The people and places Wainwright reference are not iconic, but in their own unique way, they describe and explain Americana — Audie Murphy, Jack Ruby, the Sawmill River Parkway and the Oklahoma panhandle.

This year, as the nation celebrates the Fourth with picnics, barbecues and fireworks, enjoy the patriotic standards we hear year in and year out. But give Wainwright’s “Bicentennial” a listen too because, as he tells us, “America’s having a birthday… Isn’t that wonderful? You know it certainly is.”

As part of our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media project, we share a song every Monday to start your week.

View previous Sharp Notes Monday selections.

Visit our “Sharp Notes, Sharp Thoughts” music and social media page to learn more about the project and view videos of our presentations.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Music and Social Justice, Sharp Notes Monday, Sharp Notes Sharp Thoughts

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