“Have You Ever Been Great” is a brief reflection on the darker side of American history, and asks the listener to consider the hypocrisy of ignoring our shared past in favor of political sloganeering and the belief in an idealized past that never really existed. The track is brought to life by the stylish flourishes of Producer Sam Miller, a longtime musical associate of Burkhart's.
lyrics
Have You Ever Been Great
Well I'm an American
Global war and beer in a can
God blessed my special land
Built on my brothers backs
I got everything I need
Unlimited corporate greed
I choose my leaders from
Reality tv
Now there's a dividing line
That side yours and this side mine
If I don't think you look right
I'll lock you up tight
CHORUS:
Oh home of the brave
What have we became
The land of the free
Have you ever been great
I teach equality and peace
To those who share my beliefs
Meanwhile I ignore
What's outside my door
Got a thirst only oil feeds
If you question my needs
I'll bring down a strike
Light up your sky at night
Oh history's bad taste
First Nations laid to waste
And all the crosses burned
Leave me unconcerned
Chorus:
Oh home of the brave
What have we became
The land of the free
Have you ever been great
I can disguise my hate
I'll wrap it up in the flag
And while I'm diggin graves
Star spangled banner waves
Got these conspiracy blues
Don't care about the nightly news
To make myself feel safe
I'll justify your rape
You say you've sacrificed
And I want more and more
Everyone has got a price
Now show me yours
Chorus:
Oh home of the brave
What have we became
The land of the free
Have you ever been great
credits
from Open Road EP,
track released June 7, 2020
Gerald Burkhart: Artist/Songwriter
Sam Miller: Producer
Durham, NC singer-songwriter Skylar Gudasz makes intimate Americana delivered with dry wit and stunningly precise vocal acumen. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 14, 2020