Never heard this song before so forgive me if I don’t get it. Nothing special about it, not to me at least. Why all the fuss? Some white dude comes along and covers the song. It wins a Grammy (like...so what) and now this performance is one of the greatest in Grammy history? And the song is great Americana? Oh well. I suppose it is far better than Rap and current Pop. Shrug.
It was a unique and very good song that was popular for a long time back in the late 80’s. The writer is correct that it was very different from music at the time. Love the song—lots of memories. Loved the performance last night. Other than Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel the music was absolutely horrible along with the people singing it.
I think the appeal, besides the hypnotic melody, is that this young black person in very sad, dire circumstances -- quit school to take care of an alcoholic father after her mother left and dumped the burden on her; she is working in a convenience store; she is living with in a shelter -- still has the dream of going somewhere with her friend, starting over, getting jobs and working their way out of poverty and hopelessness.
This was the American dream shared by so many people then -- you can be someone if you are willing to work. It was inspiring as the story unfolds of one strike against her after another, and yet she was willing to try.
You can say that again!