Broken Guitar

There are eleven acts, or songs in American Success Story. Pete Chandala is an ignominious factory worker in his mid fifties. The first scene songs, 1-2, begin with Pete losing his job and finding another one. The second scene songs, 3-5, tell of his childhood and the death of his mother and uncle. The third scene songs, 6-7, present his daughter’s song about her early childhood, and Pete reminiscing over failed love.

To pass the time, Pete has always contented himself with playing guitar and reading for no other end than to pass the time, and he doesn’t indulge in alcohol or hard drugs, contrary to what the young fellow workers think in the second song, Coffee For My Cup. In this, the 8th song, Pete plays Broken Guitar, a song which represents to him a symbolic acceptance of the past

The stones that you throw
can’t be buried again
and once your love goes
it’s hard to get it again
It’s not what you are
you weren’t even a friend
but just who you are
made me come back again

I’m sorry for the way I made you feel
sorry for the things I say
but I will tell you no lies
just to make peace again

I’m just a broken guitar
in and out of tune
without any heart
in need of you

I just want to hold you again
I just want to see your face
dry those tears that drown me
and hear that you love me again

I’m sorry I cry
it’s just the way that I am
but I will tell you no lies
just to make peace again

Take your hand in mine
and hold on tight
we’ll be harder than lies
we’ll be stronger than life

I’m sorry for the way I made you feel
sorry for the things I say
but I will tell you no lies
just to make peace again.

2017 Ronald Hoffman.