We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

I've been reading Robert Caro's multi volume set about former President Lyndon B Johnson.. fascinating account of LBJ and so many others of the 1930s thru the 50s and 60's. This song is a bit of a distillation of all that, just scratching the surface, of course.

lyrics

LBJ I wanted to write you a song
But I would have had to write about six
You were such a walking contradiction
A Strange rare and volatile mix

You could steal elections throw your weight around
misrepresent everything you say
There was never born a man you could not
Charm cajole and sway
You were the Zelig of your era
Liberals thought you’re a (perfect) Roosevelt man
While conservatives rednecks and good old boys
Entrusted you with all their plans

And you did it to get more power
But power reveals the man
It's what you did when you got the power
So fascinating to understand

You didn't just expand social security
Medicare and Medicaid
You made civil rights laws happen
Others said ignore it, it'll go away

Brought forth the great society
With the force of an atomic bomb
But your power and force all crumbled
On the shores of Vietnam

And the details of that last tragic bit
Are worthy of Shakespeare's pen
Robert Caro's working on that last volume
So well have to wait till then


(c) M. Skliar

credits

from My Kingdom for a Song, released March 3, 2013

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

mike skliar image

mike skliar New York, New York

contact / help

Contact mike skliar

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

mike skliar recommends:

If you like mike skliar, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now