Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones!
You don’t think of the Rolling Stones… at least I don’t… when it comes to delivering socially-conscious messages in song. But I can’t, for the life of me, think of a more appropriate tune for Labor Day. So, it’s in that spirit that I give you “Salt of the Earth.” (lyrics here)
It’s interesting to note that Jagger dismissed this song as one written in “total cynicism.” While that may be true, I prefer to derive my own meaning from the lyrics… and in MY interpretation, those “hard working people” are indeed the “Salt of the Earth.” Screw a bunch of cynics.
On the other hand… I could have posted this tune (Hell, I’m gonna post it anyway), which is kinda-sorta appropriate for Labor Day, innit? Both of these songs are from “Beggars Banquet,” which… apropos of nothing… just might be The Stones’ best album. (ed: No it's not. Exile On Main Street is.)
Factory girls: God Love ‘Em!
Yeah, the above is a re-run and it's one of two Labor Day posts I put up every year at this time, the other one... which is a bit screedy... is here. That post contains links to a Mike Rowe TED Talk about work and a good PBS video interviewing the author of "Shopcraft as Soulcraft." The PBS video is particularly good.Enjoy your Labor Day, Gentle Reader.
Just looked up the Mike Rowe post. It bears re-watching. Thanks for the link and happy Labor Day.
ReplyDeleteGood ones, and happy Labor Day...
ReplyDelete@ Anne: The Mike Rowe piece IS worth re-watching. I continue to be impressed with the whole "TED Talks" thing.
ReplyDelete@ Jim: Thank ya, Sir, and backatcha.