In this collection of songs, I write about the wounds and worries that have characterized the last four years in America, as well as the sense of cautious optimism that is rising in their place.  I am not the first Canadian to write songs about life in America.  Some might find it audacious that Canadians would write songs about their neighbours, but I don’t. 

When America’s model of democracy and freedom works, others around the world are inspired to follow suit.  When its institutions falter and stagger with a sense of isolationism and racial divide, despots and populists feel vindicated.  Thus, we all watch America with a sense of trepidation and hope.  For people like me, this results in an inevitable outpouring of songs, independent of nationality. 

The four songs in this section span a continuum of time and emotional engagement, starting with a song that presents a hopeful vision for the future.  This is followed by a song expressing of grave concern, written in response to images of violence in Portland.  The next was written just after the election.  The section ends with a song inspired by the inauguration. 

I have reached out to many of my American friends and colleagues to help me make sense of all this, and I am deeply indebted to them for their thoughtful replies. 

I offer these songs with a call for hope and peace.