Here's an exercise for you.
In 1826, when he was reaching the peak of his powers, Schubert set a number of poems by Ernst Schulze, an insane poet, to music. This one is rock and roll, and it's Schubert's "Born to Run". It's the story of a man riding his horse through the woods on the way to his girlfriend. Change the words to a man riding his Harley down the two-lane blacktop, and you have a song for Springsteen. Just add guitar and drums.
Graham Johnson's liner notes are on the left side here.
You can find the words in English and German here.
The Toreador song from Carmen:
Life is hard
without a green— card
You have to get paid
under the table.
It’s not a fable
If you are able
You can babysit or garden somebody’s yard!
It’s OK
to take a job away
from someone who has tried
to get here legally
But they’re forgiving
To give you their living
After all, that is the American Way!
School is free
And only recently
they’ve vowed to teach the classes
all bilingually!
Medical care is a breeze.
They want you to feel— at ease!
(These folks are jokes. I know the ropes!)
Ahhhh Jump down the tunnel
wiggle through the hedge
It’s not that dense
(Slip Through the fence)
Hide beneath the back seat of a car
they won’t see where you are
It’s really not that far
I guarantee!
And you are home, scott free!
I’m an expert in this kind of work
It’s people just like you, in whom I specialize
Your life’s pathetic
But I’m sympathetic
I have all the answers right before your eyes!
I can hide
A family deep inside
An old container truck
It is an easy task
If it’s too hot in there
I’ve drilled some holes for air
Everything you own’s the only payment I ask!
Tell your neighbors and
Go tell your friends
I have their ticket to
A new beginning
I can get you there alive
You’ll get rich, if you survive!
(And sure. Abdou
Can come with You!)
Ahhhh Swim the big River, drop down to a crawl
Till you can find the hole in the wall
It’s only a few miles through the brush
And the dawn’s early Blush
Will light your merry way
To start your stay
In-—the U. S. A.
c2004 “The 21st Century So Far” LTOS/ML
I should probably resurrect the stuff i wrote about John Kerry.