A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

25 April 2015

Ever hear a song protesting Irish water meters?

Not all who write protest songs have a sense of humor. Sometimes, I think the phrase should be “not any” instead of “not all,” but then I remember the MTA Song that the Kingston Trio made famous. There’s nothing, alas, comparable for the environmental movement, which is very green, and very, very serious.

So next, three very, very serious songs followed by two rollicking protest songs.

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John Prine, Paradise. He has a dark memory of coal mining.

Malvina Reynolds, Little Boxes. Today’s boxes are bigger, but many are just as tacky.

Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi. “They paved paradise…” and they’re paving more of it.

Kingston Trio, The MTA Song. New performers, same tune, lyrics updated to substitute a national brand’s product for Charlie’s sandwich. Now, if he doesn’t get off the train soon, he’ll shake apart.

Robbie Dunn, You Can Shove Your Water Meters Up Your Arse. The controversy was in Ireland, the singer in Australia. Send the children outside before hitting the play arrow.