Meaning of "Oh, Susquehanna!" by Defiance, Ohio

The lyrics of "Oh, Susquehanna!" delve into the theme of urban development and its impact on the environment and community. The song associates the mighty Susquehanna river and its tributaries with nature and purity. Walking along its banks evokes a sense of connection to the land, as evidenced by the muddy feet. However, the speaker observes that urbanization has tarnished this connection. The reference to I-83 and its destination to harbor cities implies the infiltration of commerce and consumerism into once-natural landscapes. This is portrayed negatively when the speaker describes it as a "blight."

The song then shifts to the speaker's personal experience, growing up near Kentucky's Mt. Zion Road. The mention of an old cemetery suggests a connection to the past and a place of rest for the deceased. The desire to be able to walk to the store symbolizes a desire for convenience and accessibility in the community. However, the speaker finds that progress has brought an excess of stores, apartments, and commercialization, leaving them wondering about the fate of the bodies in the cemetery. This juxtaposition emphasizes the loss of simplicity and connection to one's surroundings.

The lyrics continue with a nostalgic longing for the open spaces and freedom of the past. The place behind the speaker's house represents a sanctuary where they could escape the noise and pressures of the modern era. The mention of M-I homes and the grid-like transformation of the area into the "funny pages" portrays the homogenization and loss of individuality that accompanies urban sprawl. The metaphor of the comic strip frames implies that even though faces change, the essence remains the same, highlighting the monotony and lack of authenticity in this type of development. The punchlines being "resoundingly unfunny" suggests the dissatisfaction and disappointment that result from living in a world shaped by easy money rather than genuine human connection.

In the final verse, the song addresses the future generation growing up in these cul-de-sacs and bland neighborhoods. There is a sense of lament over their lack of access to the once-abundant fields, streams, and woods that used to exist beneath the cookie-cutter houses. The speaker implies that these children will be deprived of the natural world, instead spending their time in cars waiting for their parents to take them out of the area. This reflects a loss of adventure, exploration, and connection to the land, which the speaker sees as a tragedy.