Story Behind The Song

I worked on the front lines with 2,700 plus multi-generational workers and families tied to a plant that shipped work off from Michigan to Mexico to please stockholders. Businesses, families, relationships, health crumbled under the pressure. The story was turned into a documentary by a filmmaking group from Boston that examined the impact of unemployment and health disparities on this small town, a forerunner as the wave of massive outsourcing spread across the country.

Song Description

Small town/'Main Street' America climbs out of the rubble of job loss, depression, broken ties with family and friends. Finalist in Great Lakes Songwriting Contest 2008.

Lyrics

HOLE IN THE GROUND

THERE'S A HOLE IN THE GROUND I KEEP FALLING DOWN
AN ECHO OF USED TO BE
IT'S HOLLOW INSIDE AND TWELVE MILES WIDE
AND FILLED WITH THIS TOWN'S BROKEN DREAMS
YOU THREW DOWN A LINE
PULLED IT UP TIGHT
AND HELD ON TO ME
YOU WITH FISTS TO THE SKY
FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
TIL THEY ASKED US TO LEAVE

THERE'S A CURSE ON THIS TOWN SPREAD ALL AROUND
AND NO ONE HERE GETS OUT ALIVE
ALL THE PLANS THAT WE MADE CRUMBLE AND FADE
WHEN ALL YOU CAN DO IS SURVIVE
WE DANCED WHILE WE BURNED
SPENT WHAT WE EARNED
LIKE BEGGARS AND THIEVES
WE HELD OUR HEADS HIGH
PUT FAITH BEFORE PRIDE
AND ROLLED UP OUR SLEEVES
NOW WE CAN'T DANCE ANYMORE (REPEAT)

THERE'S A HOLE IN MY LIFE I CAN'T DENY
CAUSE DOWN AT THE BOTTOM IS ME
ALL THE WISHES AND TEARS DON'T HOLD BACK THE YEARS
AND THE CHANGES THAT HAPPEN WITH TIME
WE DANCED WHILE WE BURNED
FORGOT WHAT WE LEARNED
WHILE THE BAND PLAYED OUR THEME
WE KISSED OUR GOODBYES
BROKE OFF OUR TIES
AND DRIFTED DOWNSTREAM

NOW WE CAN'T DANCE ANYMORE (REPEAT)
ANYMORE (3X)