Allentown

Billy Joel's 'Allentown' is a poignant reflection on the impact of industrial decline on American working-class towns. The song, released in 1982 on the album 'The Nylon Curtain,' captures the disillusionment and economic despair of a generation witnessing the collapse of the manufacturing industry that once provided their parents with a stable livelihood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of factory closures and the consequent struggle to maintain a sense of hope and purpose in the face of a changing economic landscape.

The song's narrative is rooted in the experience of the people living in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a city that was once a thriving hub of steel production. Joel describes the generational shift from the prosperity of the post-World War II era to the harsh realities of the late 20th century. The reference to fathers who fought in the war and spent leisurely weekends on the Jersey shore contrasts sharply with the stagnant present, where their children fill out forms and stand in line, symbolizing the loss of the American Dream that promised progress and prosperity through hard work and good behavior.

The chorus, 'And we're living here in Allentown,' followed by various observations about the town's decline, serves as a lament for the broken promises of a better future. The song's bridge, mentioning the American flag being thrown in their face, suggests a betrayal of the values that the country stands for, highlighting the irony of the patriotic symbol in the face of economic abandonment. 'Allentown' is not just a song about a specific city; it's a broader commentary on the socio-economic shifts that have left many American communities grappling with the consequences of industrial decay.