Opportunities Await
Vocals - Juliana Ryan, Chelsea Sun
Bass - Nick Macchia
Drums- James Johnson
Guitar - Mr. Mastrota
Lyrics by Katie Hillman
As I moved out west to where the farming was best, the slaughter of native culture lay heavy upon my chest. Wide-open plains and the expansion of trains, led to the cattle strain of industry. Government policies like the Homestead Act were key. Provided the reason for moving you and me. Eventually the prices of railroad shipping caused the Populist ideas to enter full swing.
As I crossed the United States I observed so many of this country's traits. Times were changing, ideas rearranging. So many new opportunities await.
Communication and transportation grew better with the nation's fixation on improving lives and industry. Products were shipped over distances with ease, when the government began to regulate fees. Corporations and trusts were viewed with loathing. Small businesses like mine faced huge competition. Just to survive against the monopolies was our mission. Low wages and long days, and unsafe conditions.
As I crossed the United States I observed so many of this country's traits. Times were changing, ideas rearranging. So many new opportunities await.
From across the sea came thousands looking for jobs in this land. They settled in ethnic ghettoes to preserve their culture. Meanwhile I had to fight to maintain my job from them. Disease, crime, and poverty all flourished. In the crowded cities, horrors nourished. Urban bosses provided city services. A mask to hide their political devices, in order to gain their votes.
As I crossed the United States I observed so many of this country's traits. Times were changing, ideas rearranging. So many new opportunities await.
All songs and essays are the intellectual property of their respective authors and are protected under United States copyright laws. The image on the inside label is credited to Mark Hess. The CD design is the Original Design of the Great Seal of the United States as reproduced from Our Documents, 100 Milestone Documents from the National Archives. History Raps & History Rocks is ™ Peter Mastrota 2001. A Music History of the American People is Copyright © South Studio Productions 2004. Site design is Copyright NuTech Web & Services © 2005. All Rights Reserved.
