The Count of Pennsylvania

Album: not on an album (2008)
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Songfacts®:

  • Running 4:44, "The Count of Pennsylvania" is not quite a protest song, but ain't a bad substitute for one. This solo acoustic number was written by Michael Penn - the elder brother of the A-list actor Sean Penn. Penn the Elder wrote it for a blog series on the 2008 Presidential Election race, and updated it halfway into Barack Obama's second term.

    Pennsylvania was a swing state in the election, so voters there had an outsized influence. The song describes one of these voters who isn't too worldly - he's never left the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Penn released the song as a download.
  • The song contains an adaptation of a quote from Jesus on the cross, Luke 23:34 from the English Standard Version of the Bible:

    forgive them, father, for they don't have a clue
    >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Gary Weinstein from Syracuse NyA REALLY important song! Not sure Michael even knows. I’ve been loyal to the original full length version since first hearing it years ago. Where has it gone? HOW CAN I GET THE ORIGINAL TRACK?
    Micheal has been a favorite of mine since his career launched. Brilliant word play talent, hook-driven infectious sardonic pop, echoes of Lennon/McCartney.
    Help me find the Original Track! Thx.
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