Goodbye to the Sausage King

Jimmy Dean died yesterday.

Couldn’t help think of his working man’s classic…

What particularly moves me is how this song so deeply called to a certain class of American’s in its day. People who didn’t and actually still don’t have much of a say in things. They work hard, but don’t advance. Just working stiffs.

In the culture wars my views seem often at odds with theirs.

But not always.

I share their admiration for people who will put it all on the line, who work hard, and know they need to look out for their neighbors when the going gets difficult…

And its nice that every once in a while they and this view is given voice.

Jimmy’s hit was one of those little moments…

Perhaps the song is maudlin, okay, it is; but you know, people really can be like that. It is also true.

No matter how long I live I will not forget the images of those firemen and policemen, workers just like those we’re talking about, blue collar all the way, just working stiffs, who rushed into those buildings on 9/11.

This song is for them.

And, so, thank you, Sausage man! You did good on this one.