city of immigrants

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    As you make your to do list for today, write down, “Buy Washington Square Serenade.” Steve Earle’s first studio recording of new songs in three years is worth every dime.

    For those of you who don’t know him, Steve’s first record, Guitar Town, came out in 1986 to rave reviews and afforded him fame that almost killed him, literally. His addictions took him apart and put him in prison for a time. What he has pulled from the ashes of that existence is a thoughtful presence, a tenacious spirit, and some wonderful music. His latest recording chronicles his move from Nashville to New York City and his marriage to fellow singer Allison Moorer. (Yes, she is quite a bit younger.)

    The single from the record is “City of Immigrants,” which reflects the spirit of the whole project. (The video is a performance on Letterman.)

    Livin’ in a city of immigrants
    I don’t need to go travelin’
    Open my door and the world walks in
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    Livin’ in a city that never sleeps
    My heart keepin’ time to a thousand beats
    Singin’ in languages I don’t speak
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of black
    City of white
    City of light
    City of innocents

    City of sweat
    City of tears
    City of prayers
    City of immigrants

    Livin’ in a city where the dreams of men
    Reach up to touch the sky and then
    Tumble back down to earth again
    Livin’ in a city that never quits

    Livin’ in a city where the streets are paved
    With good intentions and a people’s faith
    In the sacred promise a statue made
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of stone
    City of steel
    City of wheels
    Constantly spinnin’

    City of bone
    City of skin
    City of pain
    City of immigrants

    All of us are immigrants
    Every daughter, every son
    Everyone is everyone
    All of us are immigrants – everyone

    Livin’ in a city of immigrants
    River flows out and the sea rolls in
    Washin’ away nearly all of my sins
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of black
    City of white
    City of light
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of sweat
    City of tears
    City of prayers
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of stone
    City of steel
    City of wheels
    Livin’ in a city of immigrants

    City of bone
    City of skin
    City of pain
    City of immigrants
    All of us are immigrants


    Peace,
    Milton

    1 COMMENT

    1. I was the first in my circle of friends to “discover” Steve way back when. He sort of fell off my radar until your posting. I picked up this CD and for whatever reason, it took me until today to put it in my car CD player. WOW! Thanks. It was like being reunited with an old friend and picking up right where we left off. Hmmm…even though we’ve never met in person, that’s what reading your postings feel like too. Thanks for the many blessings you share. Rich

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