The refrain to this song came to me shortly after the disastrous 2004 election.  I didn't continue working on it until the 2008 election campaign.

Livin' in a Red State Blues

1.  You know that lately I’ve been feelin' down.
Every four years this feelin' comes back around.
Don't wanna get up; don't wanna go down town.
Just wanna lie in bed where I can't be found.

2.  Can't be pneumonia 'cause I'm breathin' fine.
Ain't dehydration, I drink all of the time.
I begged my doctor, "Tell me, what can you find?"
He asked me, "Son, are you politically inclined?"

Ref.  Said I love red cars, I love red heads, too.
My checkbook's been in the red since 1982.
I know a few rednecks, but hey, what can I do?
The doctor said I know what’s ailing you.
You've got those livin'-in-a-red-state blues.
Livin'-in-a-red-state blues.

3.  Man down the street from me is wearin' a grin.
He love's the war and says he knows that we'll win.
The lives and money lost might make your head spin.
But Bush is a Christian, that's what matters to him.

4.  I got a pen and paper, sat down and wrote,
And sent my Senator a personal note.
Asked what’s the reason for the way that you vote?
He said it’s party line, and that is a quote,

Ref.  But, I love red cars, I love red heads, too.
My checkbook's been in the red since 1982.
I know a few rednecks, but hey, what can I do?
My senator said I know the problem with you.
You've got those livin'-in-a-red-state blues.
Livin'-in-a-red-state blues.

5.  Don't call the preacher, that won't do you no good.
Your shrink will say he thinks you're misunderstood.
Your boss won’t raise your pay though he prob’ly could.
Why can't things just be the way that they should?

6.  Here’s my advice, well it’s the least I can do.
We need a change I think it’s long overdue.
So listen to me ‘cause I’m telling you true,
If you don't want to feel as bad as I do.

Ref.  If you love red cars and love red heads, too.
Your checkbook's been in the red since 1982.
You know a few rednecks, but hey, what can you do?
I’ll tell you friend I’ve got the answer for you.
You'd better work to make your red-state blue.
And work to keep the blue-states, too.
That’s a job we all have to do.
Work to make the red-states blue,
And work to keep the blue-states, too.

© 2008 Michael R. Anderson