About this episode This folk ballad transforms today's top US headlines into a timeless tale of the nation’s struggles, hopes, and dreams. Sung in the style of a seasoned storyteller, it weaves current events into an ancient song, reminding listeners of the enduring human spirit behind every headline. Through this narrative, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary issues echo through history, fostering connection and reflection on the nation's ongoing journey.
0:00 In a city of stone, in a Manhattan room0:05 A judgment was passed, sealing a powerful man's doom0:10 The jury they sat, and the whole world did see0:15 A former commander charged with a felony0:20 Thirty-four counts, they read them out slow0:26 A seed of division, now watch how it grows.0:31 Oh, the road keeps on winding, the dust settles deep0:36 And the headlines are promises leaders don't keep0:41 I've seen this tale written in parchment and stone0:46 The king and the peasant, each on a high throne0:52 The story gets older, the telling gets new0:57 Singin' the ballad of red, white, and blue.1:02 The sky over Texas turned angry and green1:07 The meanest old twister the county had seen1:12 It tore through the prairie, it ripped through the town1:18 While the sun in the south beat mercilessly down1:23 From floodin' to fire, the fever it breaks1:28 And the land tells a story of all our mistakes.1:33 Oh, the road keeps on winding, the dust settles deep1:38 And the headlines are promises leaders don't keep1:44 I've seen this tale written in parchment and stone1:49 The king and the peasant, each on a high throne1:54 The story gets older, the telling gets new1:59 Singin' the ballad of red, white, and blue.2:04 Now the lawman's at the border, drawing lines in the sand2:10 Saying 'turn back, go homeward, this ain't your promised land.'2:15 And the man with no money to pay for a song2:20 Curses the giant who's done him the wrong2:25 From the courthouse to the concert, it's all just the same2:30 A fight over power, a high-stakes game.2:36 Yeah, the headlines they fade like the ink on my hand2:41 Just another storyteller in a weary old land2:46 Singin' the ballad of me and of you2:51 Yeah, the ballad of red, white, and blue.
