As the nation prepares to commemorate a unique trifecta on June 14, including Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, and President Donald Trump’s birthday, it also marks a significant moment of protest across the country.
Organizers are gearing up for the No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance, a movement arising in response to growing concerns surrounding authoritarianism and political unrest.
Philadelphia is set to host one of the largest gatherings, with expectations of hundreds of thousands participating in peaceful demonstrations aimed at showcasing democracy and voicing dissent against the current administration’s policies.
Amidst this backdrop, WHYY News’ “Morning Edition” host Jennifer Lynn spoke with local artist Adam Weiner of the band Low Cut Connie, who has recently released his protest anthem titled “Livin in the USA.”
The song encapsulates feelings of disconnection and fear in today’s political landscape characterized by federal budget cuts, rising tariffs, and marginalization of vulnerable populations.
Weiner’s lyrics resonate deeply, reflecting a sense of alienation that many feel in the current climate:
“Livin in the USA, but it ain’t my home.
Livin in a USA, but it ain’t my home.
My kind of people, they never gonna leave us alone.
My kind of people, they never gonna leave us alone.”
In the interview, Weiner explains that his song is a reflection of the voices of those who feel under siege, particularly from diverse communities—including the queer community, Black individuals, and immigrants.
“Who are my kind of people?” Weiner ponders, explaining that his music is intended to bring together those who are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty about their status in the country.
As an artist, he notes that the job of uniting people in divided times has become increasingly challenging.
Moreover, Weiner shares his own experiences with backlash after drawing attention to these issues. He recounts a particularly surprising reaction he received when he opted out of a performance at the Kennedy Center, citing that recent administrative changes there did not align with his values.
“The reaction I got was shocking to me. It was not only national news but international news,” Weiner reflects.
Though the support he received outweighed the negative responses, the vitriol from a small portion caught him off guard, leaving him feeling a heightened sense of unease.
Interestingly, the inspiration for “Livin in the USA” dates back to a song Weiner wrote many years prior during his time in England, where he grappled with feelings of homesickness.
He explains how he transformed the lyrics and sentiments into a reflection of his experiences living in America today.
“I just expressed a very simple feeling, which is fear—something I hadn’t done before in my music,” Weiner shares.
He emphasizes that while many artists create music to express their frustrations, this song conveys a more nuanced acknowledgment of vulnerability in an era marked by disorientation and uncertainty.
When discussing the protest element of the song, Weiner notes that its classification as a protest anthem is partly driven by the political climate that shapes how it is received.
“A song is a living organism,” he explains, highlighting that its meaning extends beyond the lyrics and melody, reflecting the cultural context in which it is placed.
Even iconic songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” can be categorized as love songs or protest hymns depending on the interpretation, illustrating the fluidity of musical expression in relation to societal context.
Weiner expresses pride in his ability to tap into the sentiments of those who resonate with his message: “I’m deeply fascinated by this country, and I don’t think it’s wrong to speak out about what I feel is going wrong.
I think that is patriotic.”
As protests fill the streets of Philadelphia and beyond, Weiner’s anthem stands as a poignant reminder of the power of music to reflect and fuel the movement for change.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-low-cut-connie-protest-song-no-kings/
