Back in the 1970’s, Ray Stevens was known for such socially progressive songs as “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” and “Games People Play”. Lately, he seems to be producing tasteless diatribes against illegal immigrants. Well, good for you. His songs always were kind of cheesy.
But it brings up the issue of conservative popular music.
- “Okie From Muskokee” (Merle Haggard).
- “I’d Love to Change the World” (10 Years After Undead, Alvin Lee)
- “Who Will Stop the Rain” (Creedence Clearwater Revival, J.C. Fogerty)
- “Ballad of the Green Berets” (Sgt. Barry Sadler)
- “Taxman” (The Beatles)
- “The Future” (Leonard Cohen)
- “Is Your Love in Vain” (Bob Dylan)
That last one is so cheesy, so stupid, I’m not sure it should even be included. It includes this absolutely wonderful image:
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men, who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret
I love the way they “jump and die”. This will be a short-lived fetish.