Made in America

One of my one-man musical programs is “Americas Greatest Hits,” a stroll through our nation ’s history through the voice of some of its songs.  I wanted something  that updated the state of our Union to our not-so-rosy present, so I wrote one.  The auto industry debacle with its burning question of whether we should lose a fundamental industry prompted me to ask one of my own:  Exactly what is made entirely in the U.S.A. these days?  The short answer:  precious little.

Instead of ranting  about “American” goods that quietly source their production across the globe, I took the high road with a tribute to some of the firms that still make their products on our shores.   It wasn’t easy finding name brands that can honestly attach a “Made in the USA” label across their lines.  If I’ve missed any of your favorites, let me know– while you still can!

Made in America

By john Duggleby © 2009                                                                                             

 

Worker welds injection jets on a Chevrolet Corvette

He cannot afford one yet, but it’s made in America

In the heart of Tennessee, Jack Daniel’s distillery

Whiskey from a dry county that’s made in America

 

Chorus

Made in America, and not some foreign shore

Made in America, who hears that any more?

Now that things are getting tough, don’t you think we’ve had enough?

Time to celebrate the stuff that’s made in America

 

Chill a beverage, cook a fish, nuke your soup or wash a dish

Whirlpool’s very kitchen-ish, and it’s made in America

Out in Sturgis bikers throng, Harleys half a million strong

Throttled engines roar a song that’s made in America

 

Chorus

 

This guitar with me today, came from cal-i-for-ni-ay

Taylor made for me to play, it’s made in America

Singing so my wife will hear, she’s the one I hold most dear

And when she smiles, it’s crystal clear she’s made in America

 

Chorus

 

(to the tune of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire”)

Gibson Guitars, Beer Nuts, Pyrex Jars,

Lennox China, Franklin Clocks, Spam and Texas Jeans

U.S. Playing Cards, Snapper Mowers for the yard

Moon Pies, Tabasco sauce, Jelly Belly beans

Sees Suckers at the mall, Titleist golf and Whiffle balls

Nautilus fishing reels and Knex building sets

Cushy Fox River Socks, Pawneys Island Hammocks

Briggs and Stratton Engines, Lear and Boeing Jets

Shop Vac, Speed Queen, Sub-Zero, Viking

All Clad kitchenware and Old Town Canoes

Oreck Vacuums, Lane Chests, gone are almost all the rest

Bring ‘em, back, whaddya say, make ‘em in the USA!