(The State of the Union)
 
 

Tonight, the white house buys the air waves
And they’ll tell us that our Union is quite sound
Well, receptions pretty poor here in my cardboard home
But I’m confident the word will get around

I’ll read it in the paper tomorrow
As it blows across some vacant city lot
If there’s enough to read I’ll make myself a blanket
To keep me warm and make this concrete soft

Oh, analyze it, Mr. Newsman
Read those words and listen while they sink
Then print it in the morning copy
So everyone will know just how to think

But now there’s good things; Take Mothers against Drunk drivers
They certainly have made impressive strides
While the jails are full of folks who blow up balloons
Now murderers are freed to live their lives

Oh yes, tonight the white house buys the air waves
And they’ll tell us that our Union is quite sound
But perception is a long road from that white dome
And by the time things get to us they’re watered down

And the next time you send a check to some southern preacher
To buy him silks and cuff links made of pearl
Just think about your sister eating dog food
A travesty that once was daddy’s girl

But, now, things are looking up; like they said in their message
Why, I’m adding a room onto my cardboard shed
I’m taking on a house guest for the winter
A veteran with some shrapnel in his head

I’m not just sure how long that he’ll be staying
But he’s thankful for a place to stay once more
Its the first place that he’s had since he remembers
But, his memory didn’t make it past the war

Oh yes, tonight the white house buys the air waves
And they’ll tell us that our union is quite sound
Well, my union’s with my family on the sidewalk
And my White House is a tainted cardboard brown
 

Oh yes, my unions with my family on the sidewalk
And my White House is a tainted cardboard brown
 

© 2006 William C Stephens
(All rights reserved)