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Mountain Musings with Uncle Mott: ‘Survivors’ (John Stewart – 1975)

Aug 5, 2026 | Uncle Mott

Before we get started today, I would like to apologize to my dear friend Dr. Paul. Doc is a permanent fixture in the Lake Arrowhead communities who enjoys reading our paper, especially my wacky-doodle musings. I apparently rattled the good doctor’s cage by not having any song lyrics in a recent musing about commercials that many of us love to hate.

The following song, “Survivors,” penned by John Stewart, is one of my faves and is sure to reopen Doc’s cage.

He broke his back to put food on the table. In Columbus, Ohio, he said to his wife, ‘I believe that the flag it was more than a rag but the outlaws in office have shattered my life.’

Can you hear me Ohio? You are the country, you are the nation you will survive. Children in Cheyenne are taught in their schools believe in the country, don’t break any rules. But the TV is on, and they know something’s wrong. Someone must tell them to keep pushing on.

Devils and angels belong in the church. You try for the best and you deal with the worst. Just keep on plugging you old nine to five, for you are the heartbeat that keeps us alive. Can you hear me, Virginia? You are the country, you are the nation, you will survive. Can you hear me in California? You are the country, you are the nation, you will survive.

(John Stewart, along with John Denver and a children’s choir, sang this song on the Smothers Brothers television show, back in 1976.)

Subsequently, due to what CBS considered controversial lyrics, the Smothers Brothers television show was taken off the air.

(God bless America and long live the First Amendment.)

 

Keep it flyin,’

Uncle Mott

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