There’s a line in this raucous song, “Lay down your guns and butter philosophy.” This expression, about having to choose between paying for wars or domestic welfare—Vietnam vs. the Great Society, etc.—begs the question of whether, and how, we can engage with civic society. The old model of “stay informed, vote every couple of years, and sign a petition once in a while” doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. Maybe we have to show up, imperfectly but persistently, building relationships with our neighbors as ourselves. In crisis lies opportunity: what kind of society do we want to build?

"Ten Miles to Bliss," written and performed by Val Holler (Chris Knudson), 1998.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to early June, 2025.

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