The Blues Brothers cover of Green Onions came on my iPod while I was driving the other day.  I have always liked the tune and it remains one I’ll always listen to.  In the middle of the Blue Brothers cover is a monologue by Dan Aykroyd (aka Elwood) that seems relevant 30 years later if you change a word or two.   First, about the music:

 This is, of course, the Green Onions tune. It was a very big hit in the early sixties in this country. And ofcourse it was composed and recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, right here in the United States Of America. You know, people, I believe that this tune can be acquinted with the great classical music around the world.

Now you go to Germany, you’ve got your Bach, your Beethoven, your Brahms… Here in America you’ve got your Fred McDowell, your Irving Berlin, your Glenn Miller, and your Booker T & The MG’s, people. Another example of the great contributions in music and culture that this country has made around the world.

And then the political part:

 And as you look around the world today, you see this country spurned.  You see backs turned on this country…

I’ve got something to say to the State Department. I say Take that archaic Monroe Doctrine, and that Marshall Plan that says we’re supposed to police force the world, and throw ’em out! Let’s stay home for the next ten years people! Right here in North America and enjoy the music and culture that is ours.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this, but it hit me, and it hasn’t left me for a few days.  So, to summarize:

• the blues: all American and awesome
• bombing the shit out of most of the world: all American and not awesome