The Gregory Brothers' song "One Heartbeat Away" is a satirical take on the 2020 United States presidential election. The song uses a blend of humor and criticism to address various issues and contrasting viewpoints surrounding the election and the candidates, particularly President Donald Trump and Vice President Joe Biden. The lyrics begin by questioning whether the American people are ready for the responsibilities of leadership and the potential consequences if something were to happen to the president. They emphasize the importance of transparency and the public's right to know about the president's wellbeing. The song then goes on to compare the qualities and actions of both presidential candidates. It highlights Joe Biden's transparency and history of lifting people up, contrasting it with Trump's focus on personal gain. Trump is portrayed as a successful job creator and businessman, but also as someone who only looks out for himself. The song touches upon various significant topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, foreign relations, and military respect. It criticizes Trump's handling of the virus, his denial of climate change science, and his disrespectful comments towards military personnel. On the other hand, it lauds Joe Biden's trust in science, commitment to clean energy jobs, and his dedication to standing with friends and allies. The lyrics also include references to popular culture, like characters from Star Wars (Han, Chewbacca) and The Lord of the Rings (Frodo, Sam), implying that every hero needs a reliable ally. The satirical nature of the song is evident through its witty wordplay and comedic elements. It critiques Trump's self-centeredness and mocks his alleged lack of concern for the well-being of others. In conclusion, "One Heartbeat Away" by The Gregory Brothers offers a humorous and critical perspective on the 2020 presidential election, highlighting contrasting qualities and actions of the candidates while addressing major issues that were relevant during that time.
