(Thanks everyone for putting this inspirational love song to Bernie on the Recommended List. )
Bernie Street was written by my nephew, Kurt, in the Spring of 2016. Kurt wrote this song in his home town of Green Bay, Wisconsin several weeks before his passing, struggling with severe mental illness for much of his adult life, eventually succumbing to his illness. He died on June 3, 2016. As a child and also as an adult, he was remembered by those who had the opportunity to know him as being the sweetest, most tender-hearted and unselfish young man you could be fortunate enough ever to meet.
For all of us, whether we are voting for Bernie or have another great candidate in mind, this is such a moving tribute to Bernie by a young man looking for the deeper meaning of how to live a good life. Like many who struggle more than the rest of us with disadvantages like mental illness, Bernie spoke to Kurt.
From his obituary: Kurt loved his woodworking projects and made many beautiful and useful creations. He enjoyed being up North, fishing and being in nature. Kurt was a sports enthusiast, especially enjoying baseball and the Badgers. While he was growing up he and his brother loved being ball boys at the UW-Green Bay men's basketball games and playing "noon ball" at the Phoenix Sports Center. Kurt wrote about sports and also enjoyed writing fiction. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist and loved music.
Every time I listen to Bernie Street. I am reminded of the struggle. The struggle that so many of us have, with too many lives cut short. We love you Kurt.
(Marcher in the song refers to Bernie)
To everyone waiting to feel
Alive in a moment that is real
A marcher is running a race
Against a united, against a united disgrace
I want a house on Bernie street
Shake your hand when we meet
Walking tall and fighting fair
While my lungs breathe cleaner air
Want to live the Bernie dream
Be exactly what I see
Working hard to write the wrongs
While a soul sings victory songs
To everyone waiting to hear
Freedom bells ring in their ears
A marcher is speaking the truth
The brave way he did, the brave way he did in his youth
I want a house on Bernie street
Shake your hand when we meet
Walking tall and fighting fair
While my lungs breathe cleaner air
Want to live the Bernie dream
Be exactly what I see
Working hard to write the wrongs
While a soul sings victory songs
To everyone waiting to give
The kids’ lessons on how to live
A marcher is planting a tree
The shade of which he’ll never, he’ll never quite live to see
I want a house on Bernie street
Shake your hand when we meet
Walking tall and fighting fair
While my lungs breathe cleaner air
Want to live the Bernie dream
Be exactly what I see
Working hard to write the wrongs
While a soul sings victory songs
To everyone waiting to vote
A marcher is our antidote.