Discover the story of the song > We Can’t Make It Here – James McMurtry

This song is about a man who is struggling to survive in a town where everything is falling apart. The war is bringing more soldiers home, but there is not enough support for them. The textile mill that used to provide jobs has closed down and now there is nothing to ship or pack. People are working multiple jobs and still struggling to make ends meet, while the rich get to pay less taxes. The protagonist feels angry at the people who sent the jobs away and wants the president to pay attention to their struggles. The town is becoming more and more rundown with empty storefronts, needles in the gutter, and trash in the streets. Overall, the song is about the frustration and despair of people who can't make a living in their town anymore.