To See The US Of A

[Ray Brookes]

It seems to me that the USA is experiencing a lot of pain currently, what with the election fiasco, the pandemic and the resulting social chaos these issues have caused. It's easy to forget some of the great things America has achieved so I thought I'd write a personal tribute to that great land. Unfortunately due to a fear of flying these days I can never go over there but it is what it is.

Where so much began; so much I hold dear
What begins over there makes its way over here
Home of the blues; electric guitars
Fast food, fast money, fast cars and Hollywood stars
From Dallas to Denver; El Paso to Queens
Oh to listen to live jazz played in old New Orleans

That bluegrass music and old country tunes
Creating a culture while walking on the moon
The rich and the poor and all in-between
All believe, all believe wanna achieve the American dream
But there's one thing here on my bucket list
Is to drive a '67 Mustang down Route 66
   
Maybe so much has changed and is not as it was
I wanna see everything before anymore gets lost

If I could get on a plane I'd go get a ticket
To get a break from carnivorous kangaroos and ridiculous cricket
To go see Graceland; catch a yellow in New York
To stroll down Sunset Boulevard; walk the walk, talk the talk
My friends think I'm crazy. Don't care what they say
So much, so much how I'd like to see the US of A.

Can he fly to the moon, fly to Mars; fly anywhere you bet he can.
The landscapes, seascapes and soundscapes we call American.

[Johnny McAleer]

What a brilliant start to the New Year this piece is. It's all in there, Ray. Great lyrics, vocals and faultless instrumentals and mix. Stunningly good. J

[hardlock]

Beautiful song Ray - It's got it all - Great music, vocals and lyrics! Anyone that can rhyme "ticket" with "cricket" is a true songwriter!

Hey, not sure but think you can travel by ship if you've got the time?

As a not-so-much anymore proud American, yes, lots of issues over here currently but hopefully many will be resolved this month with the exit of the orange want-a-be dictator!

[Hilary]

Choc full of Rayness 

[maxit]

Wonderul tribute and song ! America just resonate in the wonderful playing, everything's great in this song. Truly great.

[StephenM]

Great stuff Ray.... and thanks for writing this......don't worry.... that same spirit that America was born from, that many Aussies have too .... is alive and well.... we can only be pushed so far.... now though our biggest enemies are within....

[Farrell Jackson]

Well done on this song Ray! You have achieved such a lush sound with the perfect blend of all the instruments and your voice. Yes the USA is in a bit of flux at the moment but I have hope that calmer heads and common sense prevail and we settle on some normalcy. Hey, I hope your dream of cruising down Route 66 in a 67 Mustang comes true.

Farrell

[WarpCanada]

as a Canadian my link to America is very close.

I work for an American company I drive a minivan built in America.


I listen to American music more than any other country, sheerly because America is where there are maybe 250,000 active working musicians.

America gave me Johnny Cash and the 1967 Dodge Charger. Fender. gibson. martin.
Steinway.


America is home to my relatives and friends, numbering in the dozens. It is home to the worlds greatest cities and full of every good and bad thing on earth. America. America is Everyone and Why being Canadian is so good. We are the little dog who is good friends with the big dog.



America is a place I love.  And what has happened there grieves and upsets me.

My heart breaks for Americans affected by this pandemic. For the over 343,000 dead..
For those without affordable healthcare access.

For those incapable of caring for other people.  For those who care but feel powerless to overcome the forces of greed and selfishness that grip this nation.

As a Canadian I mostly am shocked and upset and sad. God bless the USA. Please. This big dog has some good days ahead.

[Bluesberry]

What a great song, full of great playing and vocals, all that acoustic goodness, layers and layers of acoustic goodness...This is what I like in a song, right here. Great job. I like how your voice seems to get stronger as it goes on, dynamics, and then the beautiful harmonica to close it out.

[kenny mac]

This track is so good,listening with headphones the panning and mix is top notch.
I didnt know you were based in Australia.
Its amazing that taking a trip through your lyrics I realised how many things did come or evolve in the USA.
An amazing performance. Well done.