Immediately what comes to mind when I think of Self Titled is growing up as middle class. There’s a certain comfort to be found around the hard-working people in a small town, where life feels much simpler. His song, Hello in There, reminds me of visiting my grandparents who would always tell me I needed to visit them more because they were supposedly lonely and “old” by their own account. Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore reminds me of the people who thought that the only way to prove their patriotism and love for God is through plastering American flags with flaming skulls and bible verses on their Ford F-150s. 

Prine is a musical genius, and perfectly sums up the conflicted relationship I have with middle class America. It is a beautiful country when the people within it can come together and support each other, but true patriots are able to point out its systemic faults to help make it a better place.