Song of the Day 3/30: James McMurtry, “We Can’t Make It Here (Anymore)”
Author Larry McMurtry, who gained his greatest fame for his screenplay work in film and television, died last week. His musical legacy is his son James, who has carved out a 30-year career in the folk rock/Americana market with literate songs that include more than a little pointed social commentary along the way.
He won the Americana Music Award Song of the Year for this 2005 critique of Bush-era America from his “Childish Things” LP, which was named the album of the year. As is usually the case, its points remain valid today.
Also check out the immortal Choctaw Bingo.
He’s written so many great songs. Here’s one of my faves, with a fantastic line:
‘You fly home for christmas dinner
It’s just like the good old days
Fighting with your mom
Fighting with your sister
Your brother had sense
So he stayed away’
Who hasn’t experienced THAT?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlPpJtAy7hQ