The American Spectator

The Nation's Pulse

(Page 2 of 5)

A moving testament to the heroes of Flight 93, and a better memorial than they're actually getting at the crash site.

11. (I Don't Like It But) I Guess Things Happen That Way -- Johnny Cash (but covered expertly by the lovely Emmylou Harris as well)

Before the Rolling Stones pointed out that "You Can't Always Get What You Want," Johnny Cash offered this resigned plea for strength. It's a mature reflection on grief, parting, and making the best of an imperfect world that we can never fix.

10. Carryin' a Torch -- Kinky Friedman

The perennial Texas gubernatorial candidate is one of very, very few Jewish country singers. My favorite song of his is this admonishment to someone who's left the best girl in the world. It's included because of a patriotic twist which I won't spoil for you, but it will make you want to go through and listen to all the words again.

p> strong>9. The Eagle -- Waylon Jennings br> 8. In America -- Charlie Daniels /strong> /p>

These are thematically similar songs about America's recovery from post-Vietnam funk. Both are belligerent, raucous anthems to U.S. military power and a hell of a lot of fun.

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