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Sep 3, 2009
The lyrics to "Democracy is Coming to the USA" sound hopeful for the future--which is a great irony given the usa is already supposed to be the country of democracy. So it's actually quite negative with an image like the "crack in the wall" allowing democracy to enter. The negative aspects of stated reality are stark: "ashes of the gay," "sorrow on the street," etc. Never sure how the ship of state will stay afloat, managing to survive the many "reefs of greed" and "squalls of hate." However, with the music, the lyrics seem to be transformed into something so very positive. I am always amazed when I listen to the song vs. Read the lyrics. Cohen is wonderful!