Sharp Notes Monday: ‘Only in America’

By Jandoli Institute on December 30, 2024 • ( 0 )

By Richard Lee

In 1963, Jay and the Americans had a hit single about the American Dream.

The lyrics of “Only in America” tell listeners that it’s possible to rise from rags to riches in our nation:

Only in America
Can a guy from anywhere
Go to sleep a pauper and wake up a millionaire

Only in America
Can a kid without a cent
Get a break and maybe grow up to be President

As we mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Georgia who rose to the highest office in the land, the message of “Only in America” continues to resonates.

This is why the song is our choice for this week’s Sharp Notes Monday.

Richard Lee, executive director of the Jandoli Institute, is a former music journalist who often writes about the intersection of music and current events.

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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 justice page to learn more about the project and view videos of our presentations.