SING THE STATES #02: Pennsylvania

The second state to join the Union, and the first state on our list that I've actually been to, is Pennsylvania! When I was about 7 years old we went to an Amish village somewhere in rural PA, and all I can really remember is petting some baby goats and thinking that horse-drawn carriages were cool. Since then, I've only driven through the state - but I can at least attest to it's green hills and pretty landscapes. Nick-named the Keystone State, it's capital is Harrisburg, and it's State bird is the Ruffed Grouse. Not Goose, but Grouse. Now you know that. Also, Pennsylvania leads the nation in manufacturing pretzels and potato chips. Now you know that too.

Our song for Pennsylvania is 'Streets of Philadelphia' by Bruce Springsteen. Drenched in synthesizer and drum-machines - as all The Boss's songs were for a while - it's a little down-beat for sure, but one I really love. Originally written for the film Philadelphia, it's kind of the blue-collar-rocker's tribute to a blue-collar city. Enjoy.

Also considered: Commander Venus - Pennsylvania Made You Sick; James Taylor & Mark Knopfler - Sailing to Philadelphia; Josh Ritter - Harrisburg

Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Philadelphia
from the album Bruce Springsteen Greatest Hits (Amazon/iTunes)