She Belongs To Me: Democratic National Convention Songs? by Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti

With Bill (Clinton) it was Fleetwood Mac (“Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow”) that he used as his campaign theme song. I remember seeing him in one  of the major city parks, he and Al Gore, both of them in their workingman’s blue shirts (such an obvious put-on that if it ever had any subtle message, it’s long gone).  I can’t think of one politician on the trail – Democrat or Republican – who doesn’t do the blue-oxford with the sleeves rolled-up to the elbow, as if to say, “I’m ready to work.” It’s become par for the course. Each has to prove that he (or she) can get down with the working man – they know our Workingman’s Blues.

But all of this got me to thinking about what music or song, if any, Barack Obama would or might play at the Democratic National Convention? And if he hasn’t chosen any, well, we know he likes Dylan and we also know that alas, the Democratic party has been split by those who wanted Hillary to win the nomination and who now promise to protest the convention (Democrats protesting a Democrat – I don’t get this). Just what we need. If we ever want to win, we need to stick together, not give the votes away.

Regardless, what songs would be appropriate for Obama under such current circumstances? I chose a few, went by title alone (for the most part, the message has to be in the title for this little game to work). These are a few that came quickly while sitting and waiting on some friends. I give you the list unedited and in no particular order:

She Belongs To Me
Someday Baby
Neighborhood Bully
Everything Is Broken
Oh, Sister
One Of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)
Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You
Tell Me, Momma
I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)
Lo And Behold!
I Can’t Leave Her Behind
Tangled Up In Blue
Desolation Row

(Note: Many more could work if we go by lyrics as well, but off the top of my head, title alone says enough). Positively 4th Street would work, but it’s not suggestive enough in title, so it is left out in case anyone is wondering).

Thanks for listening,

s.r.p.