Jerry, this is an interesting idea. I also applaud your selection of a Steve Earle tune; I think Steve Earle is one of the best songwriters working today. I would offer another Steve Earle song called Jerusalem. I perform this song regularly as part of my mostly-original set, and I find that it really resonates with my audiences.

Jerusalem is a song about some of the most bitterly contentious issues in the world today, yet it doesn't take sides, nor does it offer simplistic solutions or slogans. It recognizes the common humanity and desire for peace among all of the people of the Middle East, and the rest of the world as well. It acknowledges the sense of hopelessness that so many of us feel about the situation in the Middle East, but it rejects hopelessness, and expresses not only the desire for peace, but the belief that peace will triumph ultimately. It matches a beautiful crafted melody with poignant lyrics and a heartfelt message, and manages to lift up listeners and make them believe that we can fashion a better world out of the anguish we all feel in these times. It doesn't call for one group to triumph over another; it expresses the belief that, in these times especially, nobody wins unless everybody wins.

I don't think I'm a naive person, and I don't think simplifying the issues will make our problems disappear; that's one reason why political songs so often leave me unsatisfied. But the song Jerusalem gives me hope, which is about the best thing that a song can do.