My Gen X Playlist: Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke – The Alarm

I grew up in the conservative part of the state and attended a conservative university. It goes to show that I leaned conservative when I graduated and ventured out into the real world. That was my starting point. Like all other twenty somethings, I was green and my views had room to grow and solidify.

Then, life.

There’s nothing like living life to poke a few holes in what was once thought to be an unflappable view. Black and white lines fade and allow consideration for nuance or even at times, a 180 degree turn. On the political spectrum, I consider myself a moderate. In general, I tend to be pro-business, but even this has experienced some change over time. I also hold many social views that run slightly left of center. I don’t fit into either political party’s box and really fall into the independent camp. My views are a mix of both sides. Neither blue nor red, simply in the grey.

The toxic political landscape leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Most of those who scream the loudest tend not to represent the vast majority’s point of view. Interestingly enough, these days there seems to be a large contingent who are keeping silent, not voicing publicly what they truly believe. I get it. They are weighing the political landscape and making a calculated decision to close their eyes and mouths and play ostrich in the sand. But sometimes there are issues that are bigger than holding onto your seat and sitting on your hands won’t do. In times like these, there is a need for our elected officials to step forward instead of hiding in the shadows. It’s time to put country before party.

I’m not sure how popular The Alarm was in the 80’s. I just know that I loved them. Declaration was their debut album in 1984. I was enticed by Sixty-Eight Guns and then drawn into the entire album. When I think about our silent elected officials, I hear the Alarm’s Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?

the truth is the truth
or the truth is surely a lie
get back in your shelter
if you can’t come down off the fence
and one more question
where were you?
where were you hiding
when the storm broke
when the rain began to fall

There is a lot riding on the upcoming election. As I survey it now, I’m not thrilled with either political choice. I know who I’m not voting for. I only wish we were offered better options than two ancient old guys. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Born into a war and peace
Forced to choose between right and wrong
Each man kills the thing he loves
For better or for worse
Face to face with a ragged truth
Mixed up and torn in two
Turned you back on the only thing
That could save you from yourself

Where were you hiding
When the storm broke
When the rain began to fall
When the thunder and the lightning struck
And the rain and the four winds did howl

After all time building up
Comes inevitable knocking down one by one
Comes receivers liars gamblers
Pick pocket entourage two by two
Selling out is a cardinal sin
Sinning with a safety net
They say all things come in threes three by three
Here comes the third degree

Where were you hiding
When the storm broke
When the rain began to fall
When the thunder and the lightning struck
And the rain and the four winds did howl

All cards are marked
All fates will collide
The truth is the truth
Or the truth is surely a lie
Get back in your shelter
If you can't come down off the fence
And one more question
Where were you?

Where were you hiding
When the storm broke
When the rain began to fall
When the thunder and the lightning struck
And the rain and the four winds did howl