marriott, u.s.a. lyrics

(Words and Music by Joan Baez)

My name is Chaffey, I'm from Marriott, U.S.A.
I'm a high school graduate and I'm looking for a way
To chase my future down and lay it at my feet
So I can answer all the questions of my old friends on the street
I lie awake at night and I think about the years
The petty victories and all the hidden tears
And about the girl I love who had to set me free
She said she'd never marry anyone ambitionless as me

The Marriott Daily is delivered to my door
It brings the outside in and I've seen it all before
Though all my golden dreams and all my brazen schemes
May scatter like a rainbow on an open sea
Oh no, you won't find me staring down an M16
You took my brother from the Marriott High School all-star team
You took my brother from Marriott and from me

My dad's made window shades for twenty-seven years
He's had his share of laughter and an equal share of tears
And I still live in the second room of my parent's hall
My brother watches me from the stationary frame upon the wall
Mom tends the garden and occasionally perms her hair
She's not political, she sticks to her own affairs
But they voted the cowboy in and they think he's doing fine
He's created some very new and interesting, innovative lies

And the Marriott Daily is delivered to my door
It brings the outside in and I've seen it all before
Though all my golden dreams and all my brazen schemes
May scatter like a rainbow on the open sea
Oh no, you won't find me staring down an M16
You took my brother from the Marriott High School all-star team
You took my brother from Marriott and from me

We celebrated when they came home from Iran
We tied a bunch of yellow ribbons on the van
Drove into Marriott, went into church and prayed
But secretly I asked the Lord if this is how heroes are made
Speaking of heroes, a word about my dad
Son of mine, take your time 'cause now you're all we have
And if you refuse to go, I'll support you all the way
And that will surely be a first for the folks in Marriott, U.S.A.

And the Marriott Daily is delivered to my door
It brings the outside in and I've seen it all before
Though all my golden dreams and all my brazen schemes
May scatter like a rainbow on an open sea
Oh no, you won't find me staring down an M16
You took my brother from the Marriott High School all-star team
You took my brother from Marriott and from me

© 1982 Gabriel Earl Music (ASCAP)