These are the real American stories. People are tired of being tired. But one thing that never fails is The American Dream.
My mom worked at the Chrysler plant for years, my dad was a construction worker. They both knew long hours and bureaucratic garbage for years. My mom’s union worked harder to protect the company than her when she suffered major head injuries on the line – both times.
My work history is a hodgepodge. I’ve been homeless. Worked 3 jobs to support myself. Known overnight shifts and 12-hour days. But despite it all through hard work and patience I’m now a full-time writer.
Oliver Anthony’s story doesn’t just matter to me because I know what it’s like to feel like you’re getting nowhere, but because his music holds a universal truth that speaks to everyone. His success is everyone’s success. (That and I spent my younger days being a singer and still have fun writing songs with my husband and singing to my kids just for fun.)
What amazes me is how tone deaf the mainstream is to the people. Anthony’s songs are hits, but I’ve yet to hear one on the radio yet. Maybe that’s why most people don’t listen to the radio anymore.
Either way, I hope you read my article and listen to Anthony’s music. It’s good for the soul.
Jessica Marie Baumgartner 