Tom T. Hall's song "America The Ugly" tells a story of a man from a foreign land who comes to the United States to photograph the progress of the country. However, what he sees is not a pretty picture. He witnesses poverty, hunger, and despair in the Bowery, in the Appalachians, and at Medicare centers. He captures images of hopeless, hungry, and living dead people, pregnant young women without shoes, and old people who are forgotten by the younger generation. The song is a commentary on the disparities and inequalities in American society and the troubling state of affairs in the country. It highlights the contrast between the wealthy and the poor and the lack of empathy for the less fortunate. The man's photographs raise a question about the image of America that people like to portray versus the reality of the situation. The song suggests that if people do not come together to address these issues, the country is bound to fall. Overall, "America The Ugly" is a call for compassion and understanding towards those who are struggling and an appeal for unity to address the issues facing the nation.
