This was a crazy popular song back when I was, well, way back when. During the Vietnam War. 1971. Men were being drafted. Mostly working class men. Killed and maimed. A terrible time. If you had the resources to go to college you could get a deferment. I believe Biden received several college deferments, as did Trump and Clinton.
Anyway, the song was rather upbeat for its theme. Very catchy tune. I was humming it this morning and realized how optimistic it was, that last stanza especially.
(“The Man” and “He” referred to the government back then. It was derogatory, but also, weirdly, it could be a term of respect.)
Sunshine
Written and Sung by Jonathan Edwards, 1971
Sunshine go away today
I don’t feel much like dancing
Some man’s gone, he’s tried to run my life
Don’t know what he’s askingHe tells me I’d better get in line
Can’t hear what he’s saying
When I grow up I’m going to make it mine
But these aren’t dues I been payingHow much does it cost, I’ll buy it
The time is all we’ve lost, I’ll try it
But he can’t even run his own life
I’ll be damned if he’ll run mine, SunshineSunshine go away today
I don’t feel much like dancing
Some man’s gone he’s tried to run my life
Don’t know what he’s askingWorking starts to make me wonder where
The fruits of what I do are going
He says in love and war all is fair
But he’s got cards he ain’t showingHow much does it cost, I’ll buy it
The time is all we’ve lost, I’ll try it
But he can’t even run his own life
I’ll be damned if he’ll run mine, SunshineSunshine come on back another day
I promise you I’ll be singing
This old world, she’s gonna turn around
Brand new bells’ll be ringing
Photo by Peter Steiner on Unsplash
Fanatic Cook 