Oh, but ain’t that America, for you and me
Pink Houses, John Mellencamp
Ain’t that America, somethin’ to see, baby
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me
As you wake up today and get ready to go out and celebrate the freedom that this country was founded on, try not to see colors being divided, but instead see the red, white, and blue coming together.
Notice the American flags flying from front porches or planted near the curb in front of houses or waving in a young child’s hands.
Watch the neighborhood kids ride by on their bikes, with streamers weaved through their bike spokes, and welcome the memories of you and your siblings doing the same thing years ago.
Oh, but ain’t that America, for you and me
Ain’t that America, somethin’ to see, baby
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me
It’s time for class reunions, alumni softball games, and family golf outings.
It’s time to sit on the curb and watch the parade go by…and then stand when the surviving Armed Forces veterans ride by to show appreciation and honor.
It’s kids running through sprinklers, tubing on the lake with the “big kids”, or getting to spin with sparklers as darkness falls.
Oh, but ain’t that America, for you and me
Ain’t that America, somethin’ to see, baby
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me
It’s cookouts with friends and family, a few cold beers to wash down the burgers and hot dogs, and then an extra-large slice of apple pie.
It’s the neighborhood amateurs setting off roadside-purchased firecrackers, cherry bombs, and Roman candles before the professional pyrotechnics light up the sky.
It’s the oohs and aahs and the cheers when the whistlers and spinners surprise the mesmerized eyeballs looking skyward.
Oh, but ain’t that America, for you and me
Ain’t that America, somethin’ to see, baby
Ain’t that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me
It’s the grand finale, the polite applause, the long walk to the car…and the proclamation that this was the “best year ever!”
And then it’s July 5th.
And then it’s August.
And then it’s Thanksgiving.
Enjoy your holiday but then get refocused on building relationships, solving problems, and having fun. There are some little pink houses out there waiting for you and me.