PUBLIC RESPONSE TO
"We Can't Make it Here"

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James,

I just heard your song "Can't Make It Here Anymore" on XM radio at X Country. You summarized everything I've been feeling for several years in about 5 minutes. From your views on industrialism and jobs in our country to the war. I am originally from West Virginia and I went to visit a little town called Thomas last weekend. Everything in your song is depicted in this river-side ghost town. If you ever make a video you should film there.

My family is in the agricultural business and I have watched their income decrease slowly over the years as the U.S. imports fruit from China and Japan and South America. It makes me ill to watch good farm families work to survive while Americans buy goods from other countries.

I was so happy to see that you will be playing in Alexandria, VA at IOTA. I will definitely be there! My husband played there with his band Idle Ride. Check them out at idleride.com!

Thank you for your honesty James! Keep writing!

~K

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.James,
Saw you in Chicago... This song is such a brilliant blow of brilliance to
the un-open eyed, follow-the-herd, self-admitted, tongue-tied and
conservative soul... like me.
I'm not saying that one song changed my beliefs, my morals or ideals. I'm
just saying that THIS song... this fantastically fragile and syringing song
made me think... hard.
You're THE best lyricist this Americana has known, pure and simple.
And once again, you've made me think.
For this, I say, "Thank you."
-cdgsong, Chicago.

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Hello all,
Just caught the JM show last night in New York and heard “We Can’t Make It Here” for the first time. (Sorry, but NYC radio sucks and I haven’t been listening to KGSR streaming audio lately.) Though I disagree abjectly with its content, I enjoyed the song because it is well-crafted (as always) and provocative.

Capitalism isn’t nice and there’s no way to make it nice. The “old” American way of life was maintained on the back of high tariffs and, consequently, high costs for everyone. People forget that by outsourcing the manufacture of Huggies to China or wherever (I assume they’re not manufactured here), America lost jobs. But more people – especially poor people who would not be able to afford them otherwise – can raise their kid with a dry butt because of job migration to low-cost manufacturers.

Recent steel tariffs were put in place to temporarily slow job attrition in that industry. The tariffs (since repealed due to a WTO injunction) added something like $600 to every car manufactured in the U.S. This tariff is the most regressive to the poorest people buying a car. In aggregate, fewer working poor folks could buy cars to get them to work on time because of the tariffs. Then they can’t make it here anymore. Food left the mouths of poor working people and was regurgitated into the mouths of (usually much better compensated) union workers.

From a U.S. perspective, there are two macro-level outcomes from globalization: a loss of jobs (bad) and cheaper goods for all (good), most importantly those living on the margin. We can’t lose track of the latter benefits just because they’re more diffuse and harder to measure; both elements should be part of the dialogue.

Anyway, great show and good discussion! Looking forward to JM’s next swing through this gluttonous city.

~PC

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It's ridiculous that you people are complaining about McMurtry writing
a song that brings attention to problems within our great country. If
everyone "turns a blind eye" to social issues, nothing constructive will
ever get done. So if you are one of those people that don't believe in
freedom of speech, move somewhere else. Here, in America, some of the
best songs EVER written were protest songs. How dare you threaten people like McMurtry with balls enough to speak the truth. If you don't agree with the song, either don't download it or shut up!!!

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Bravo and Thank you for such a eloquent song! You have a style of
saying what many of us are thinking!
~S.

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James; I've been a fan since "Too Long in the Wasteland". Through the years you've captured the pulse of America through song.You have the gift of storytelling, (passed on from your father?) and it has never been more apparent than on "We Can't Make it Here". I can't wait for the full album! They'll be some detractors along the way, but please,please,please keep on doin' what you're doin'.
~M.G., Sullivan, Me

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WOW…just saw the best concert in my life. James Mcmurtrys lyrics and his band were fantastic at the Patio in INDY. It is so nice to meet a musical group who will talk to the masses and not act like you are a bother.

First off thank you for the song “Can’t Make It Here Anymore”. The first time I heard it I got shivers down my spine and could not help but think of my own family and how large conglomerate companies sending jobs overseas just to make extra money for a few is so wrong. It is amazing how so many people blame the “outsiders” when it is really politicians and big CEO s who just want to fatten there bank account at the expense of fathers, mothers, and children. IT IS ABOUT TIME that someone takes a stand and highlights these atrocities.

Second, your lyrics have always been a part of my life. I do listen to your music often and share it with others. You and your bands musical skills are such a treat to hear over some of the cookie cutter “musicians” in the world. Thank you so much for you and your past/current bands talents……but I ask….please bring a new album out soon…and tell me where I can get one of the “Where’d You Hide The Body Videos”! I’ve been looking every ware!

Thank You and God Bless
~ J., J., and A.

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Heard the new song today for the first time on WNKU at Northern Kentucky University. I was immediately blown away. I moved to this area less than two years ago and started listening to WNKU. They play a lot of your music and the first time I heard "Chactaw Bingo" I told myself "I've got a new favorite artist". Have bought several of your cd's since and enjoy them all. By the way, I probably don't fit into your marketing demographics. I'm 65 years old and kinda grew up with all the old rockers. Keep 'em coming!
~ MGD

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I heard "Can't Make It Here" for the first time today.  I was blown away by the honesty and the artistry of the lyrics and the groove of the band version.  I was equally appalled by the rants of the critics that apparently don't feel that James has the right (personal or artistic) to speak his mind on topics we're all faced with daily.  Are these people bitching about James doing exactly what most of us find most appealing about his work?  If my own rant has been placed in the wrong forum, I appologize.  James, I look forward to your next album & hope "Can't Make It Here" winds up on it.                
~ DWM, Wi.