Steve Earle makes bold statement with classic song
powerful statement. Though inspired to revisit this song and this theme by recent ICE activities in the USA, there is not ever a whiff of controversy or violence in Buscemi’s visuals. They are pure joy. Smiling faces. Dancing feet. Even my bridge problem, as described above, vanishes in this video. Seeing all those faces renders any complaints trivial.
Steve Earle has been very clear about his political leanings in the past. He comes from the side of outlaw country that considers labor unions and support of the poor as genuine American values. He considers the vast majority of the nation to be neither red nor blue, but purple, seeking common-sense answers to genuine problems. He has written plenty of songs that make overt political statements along those lines. “City of Immigrants” is among his best.
In 2026, it may well be his most important.