Orphans Of Wealth
Don McLean
The Forgotten Faces of America: A Cry for Justice
Don McLean's song "Orphans Of Wealth" is a poignant and powerful commentary on the plight of the impoverished and marginalized in America. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by those who are often overlooked by society. McLean uses stark imagery to describe the dire conditions in which these individuals live, highlighting their struggles with hunger, inadequate shelter, and the relentless forces of nature that exacerbate their suffering. The repeated mention of rain and snow blowing through windows and doors serves as a metaphor for the constant and unrelenting hardships these people endure.
The song also addresses the systemic neglect and discrimination faced by these marginalized groups. McLean points out that these individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including African, Mexican, Caucasian, and Indian, yet they all share a common experience of being neglected and disowned by the nation they live in. The reference to bread lines and food stamps underscores the indignity and degradation they face, even as they struggle to survive in a supposedly prosperous nation. McLean's use of the term "orphans of wealth" is particularly striking, as it suggests that these individuals are not just poor, but have been abandoned by a society that values wealth and prosperity over human dignity and compassion.
The song's final verses are especially haunting, as they describe the squalid living conditions and the physical and emotional toll on the children growing up in these environments. The imagery of roaches, rickets, and rats, along with the description of children playing in poisonous pools, paints a grim picture of a society that has failed its most vulnerable members. The closing lines, which describe a hungry and cold child with an old face, serve as a powerful indictment of a nation that has allowed such suffering to persist. McLean's song is a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and address the deep-seated inequalities and injustices that continue to plague America.
