Name: American Rust
Duration: P00H04M17S
Description: I once read an article about the steel industry and the recession in the US. Steel-plants shutting down and small towns dying. A laid off steel worker told his story and I based this song on him. It paints a bittersweet picture of small-town America, but at the same time it is universal in the way it reflects on life.

American Rust

by Anders Westin

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about

I once read an article about the steel industry and the recession in the US. Steel-plants shutting down and small towns dying. A laid off steel worker told his story and I based this song on him. It paints a bittersweet picture of small-town America, but at the same time it is universal in the way it reflects on life.

lyrics

American rust

I was born in a steel town
where generations come and go
Where my father worked the steel mill
just like his father used to do
Thirty years have passed
almost to the day
Since the last blast of the furnaces
now it’s all gone away

I used to hold my head up high
and say In God We Trust
But I don’t believe in miracles no more
they only turn to dust
All I have left is American rust

These roads were built for traffic
but there’s no place left to go
Only vacant stores and people
surrendering their hopes
Grandpa joined the army
You’ve heard it all before
How the steel from this town
helped to win the war

This land that I live in
has grown colder every year
It’s not the climate nor the people
but an ever-growing fear
We buried grandpa yesterday
Up on Cemetery Hill
I reckon I should leave this town
but I guess I never will

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released April 26, 2021

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Anders Westin Uppsala, Sweden

Anders Westin is a songwriter and producer from Uppsala, Sweden. Writing and recording his own songs, as well as collaborating with, and producing other artists.

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The sound of Emily's voice captured me from the start. But what really inspires me is the narrative in her lyrics. Be sure to check out the 2019 album Traveling Mercies. Anders Westin
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