Songs of the Cerulean Attired Working Stiff
One of the reasons I've been thinking about the life of a blue collar man is that I've been listening to Billy Joel. The Down'easter Alexa is a perfect example of the life of a blue collar man. He's written many songs describing the life of the blue collar man...another of my favorites is Allentown...I'm from steeltown stock baby...(Grandfather retired from Weirton Steel).
A blue collar man has a deep abiding love for family and pride in his vocation. Each one requires hard work and skill.
Well I'm on the Downeaster Alexa
And I'm cruising through Block Island Sound
I have charted a course to the Vineyard
But tonight I am Nantucket bound
We took on diesel back in Montauk yesterday
And left this morning from the bell in Gardiner's Bay
Like all the locals here I've had to sell my home
Too proud to leave I worked my fingers to the bone
So I could own my Downeaster Alexa
And I go where the ocean is deep
There are giants out there in the canyons
And a good captain can't fall asleep
I've got bills to pay and children who need clothes
I know there's fish out there but where God only knows
They say these waters aren't what they used to be
But I've got people back on land who count on me
So if you see my Downeaster Alexa
And if you work with the rod and the reel
Tell my wife I am trolling Atlantis
And I still have my hands on the wheel
Now I drive my Downeaster Alexa
More and more miles from shore every year
Since they tell me I can't sell no stripers
And there's no luck in swordfishing here
I was a bayman like my father was before
Can't make a living as a bayman anymore
There ain't much future for a man who works the sea
But there ain't no island left for islanders like me
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Comment by riffran— 2008/01/19 @ 05:12 PM — (Reply)
I worked the shipyards of Beth Steel for 7 years. I wore a white helmet but have nothing but respect for those who didn't. My job was simply to make sure that they got what they needed, when they needed it.
Comment by Farmer John— 2008/01/20 @ 03:18 AM — (Reply)
fj - I know you're a blue collar guy at heart...the characteristics of a blue collar man can be found in those who wear the white collar too
nanc - ODL! Tell nancpop that he'll get his man card back if he gets you to play NURSE not doctor
Comment by Elmers Brother— 2008/01/20 @ 04:43 AM — (Reply)
my blue collar guy has been at his current job for five years today!
unfortunately, he's contracted the flu and won't be doing much celebrating today.
sooooooooo, guess what?
i get to play doctor!
Comment by nanc— 2008/01/20 @ 03:21 AM — (Reply)
Comment by Elmers Brother— 2008/01/23 @ 08:01 AM — (Reply)
John Edwards comes from blue collar beginnings. His father worked at a mill -- just in case you hadn't heard!!! LOL!!!
Comment by The Frank Family— 2008/01/20 @ 06:53 AM — (Reply)
Comment by Elmers Brother— 2008/01/21 @ 05:35 AM — (Reply)
Nah, I wore a blue-collar too. A greasy boilersuit w/iron metatarsels on the boots. The only difference was in the pay and the hat. My hands were just as greasy, and I punched the same clock.
Comment by Farmer John— 2008/01/22 @ 01:31 PM — (Reply)
my bad fj
Comment by elmers brother — 2008/01/22 @ 03:01 PM — (Reply)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGqgZgdkzoc
One of my favorites.
Comment by Carpooltunnelvision— 2008/02/06 @ 12:18 PM — (Reply)