Boom boom boom we’re the boomers
We are yesterday’s consumers. In the
21st century we’re not what we used to be
Just another footnote in history
Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom
We’re the boomers
Baby Boomers, boom boom boom
We’re signing off, making room
Did our thing, had our fun
Left a mess, and now we’re done
Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom
We’re the boomers
We were the children of the greatest generation
We were the kids who were gonna save the world
Greedy generation from a white man’s land
The Boomers lost their innocence in Vietnam,
Rockets down on Wall Street for a few billionaires - while the
Rest of the boomers are bursting in air
Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom
We’re the boomers
The climate is a changin’ or so the science says and it
Won’t really matter when the earth is dead
Good luck children, bless ‘em one and all
Ain’t it a shame you have to waste your time, tearing down walls
Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom
We’re the boomers
We were the children of the greatest generation
We were the kids who were gonna save the world
We’re the boomers, baby boomers
We’re the boomers, baby boomers
We’re the boomers, baby boomers
We’re the boomers, baby boomers
Even though this album hones in on the political turmoil that is currently tearing America and the rest of the world apart, it also provides the listener with moments of hope and a clear vision of the future based upon a solid foundation of human history.
Another profound chapter in the book of Reckless Johnny Wales.
(Won’t You) Drive Up To The Country (With Me) is a fine Jim Kweskin Jug Band style ditty, and a great choice for the lead off track, making sure we’re happily along for the ride. It’s a sweet invitation that would be hard to refuse, especially since Reckless is bringing the snacks!
Reckless has a way with lyrics that lets him deliver a heavy message without bludgeoning us over the head with it. If Climate Change Don’t Change Your Mind is a perfect example of this kind of song...smart, matter of fact and he gets straight to the point, in his usual catchy way!
We’re The Boomers is a wry ode to Reckless’ generation, as he looks at the legacy (“we left a mess and now we’re done”) and gets ready for the handoff to the next generation. “The Boomers lost their innocence in Vietnam” and proceeded to pollute, exploit and not quite save the world, as planned.
Everybody Get Real is a battle cry with a driving rhythm. “There’s no reality, realiTV, there’s no reality, only what you see”. It’s time to pay attention and do something, says Reckless.
In this flamenco tinged number, Reckless becomes a shape shifter, spinning and twisting through time. If History took a good long look at itself, it would indeed have to say it’s Not About Nice, and maybe changing the future won’t always be either.
Am I A Fool is a sweet old fashioned love song, with Reckless trading lines with the lovely voice of Rosemary Fossee. It sounds like an instant black and white movie classic, complete with dancers and cigarette smoke.
Blazing like ZZ Top, Always Was, Always Will is an angry lament for a problematic relationship between this country and its guns, because “In America, freedom is tragic...life in America is heaven in hell.”
Desperate is a song of the imprisoned refugees at our borders. For them, “the American dream became a nightmare along the way.” It has a latin flair that pays tribute to the cultures of the people who are suffering. “How did the home of the brave become the land of fear?” It’s a very good question.
Yes, that’s right, Reckless got A Letter From JC and he is not amused by the things people are doing in his and his father’s name. All we have to do is be our best and go in peace, he says, and maybe we have a shot at something better.
A veteran himself, Reckless knows as well as anyone the sad futility of endless war, where “the dogs of war still fight and bite and bark.” They’re Dying To Come Home is an anti war song and a call to reason and empathy. “So unselfishly, they preserve that irony that everything they fight for they will never get to see.” The arrangement is a slow march, with the solo trumpet that echoes a somber Taps.
America, You’re Beautiful. There’s still plenty of hope, and in this upbeat tune, Reckless gives us the many reasons why. Listen to the man: love is all we need, indeed.
credits
released August 1, 2020
Reckless Johnny Wales • Lead Vocals, Guitars, Harmonica, Slide Whistle & Cowbell
Chris Benelli • Drums
Rosemary Fossee • Lead Vocal Duet on “Am I A Fool”
Parker Hawkins • Upright Bass
Pat McInerney • Drums, Percussion
Brent Moyer • Acoustic & Electric Guitars & Cornet
Derek Pell • Violin
Jan Petter Ringvold • Keyboards
Brett Ryan Stewart • Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards
Chris Tench • Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Percussion
Background vocals:
Reckless Johnny WalesRosemary Fossee
Alicia MichilliBrett Ryan Stewart
PRODUCED BY:
Reckless Johnny Wales (for Amerikandy Records)
Brett Ryan Stewart (for Wirebird Productions) & Chris Tench (for Media Pig Productions)
ENGINEERED BY:
Brett Ryan Stewart
recorded at:
WireBird Productions, Madison, TN
LAYOUT/Design:
Fussell Graphics, Nashville, TN
Illustrations inspired by the artwork of Shepard Fairey
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