The first time that Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds visited us, it seemed that she was busy communicating about the bitter pill of love and all that it holds. This time, with her latest album, “Generals,” produced by the great Richard Swift, the Nebraskan songwriter makes us think that she’s got bigger fish to fry then just something silly like love and whatever tangents one can make and take from that action. She’s tackling the harder things to figure out – why people can’t just be decent and good, why love can’t be felt or why some folks must always feel powerless and voiceless, for as long as they live. We’d rather she tell it, with this impressive record. With the title track, Burhenn sings: I need a political job In a blue collar town So I can pay my rent When the music is on I get my best blood drawn But I haven’t made a dollar yet Haven’t I paid my dues yet? Calling all my Generals My Daughters My Revolutionists We got strength in numbers And they’re gon’ to pay for it We burn the money in our homes Oh our books and bones Are breaking down so fast But they keep putting all our cash Into the next bloodbath Honey, tell you I am sick of it Haven’t we paid our dues yet? Hey all my sisters [YEAH] What you want [LOVE] And all my brothers [YEAH] What you got [LOVE] You wanna fix it [YEAH] Or fuck it up Come on fix it Cause it’s been fucked Get your black boots on Beat your marching drum We’re gonna make ‘em run We’re gonna get ‘em on the run So get your warpaint on Let ‘em know we’re out for blood With “Mightier Than The Sword,” once can’t help feeling that much of the talk in today’s political landscape helped to shape the vitriol when she sings: You’re not alone in anything So listen up, my love A tiny town can tear you down But the right word can build you up I know their razor blade names Cut into your arms And opened your veins And you think, There’s nothing you could do They haven’t already done to you It’s hard enough in your bedroom calm To fend off the hungry birds of prey And it’s a fresh assault when the news comes on Another one gone today You study the lines in his face He looked just like you Your story’s the same Is there anything I could say To make you stay Love who you love No matter what No matter how hard it may come And I promise You’ll be loved, my love No matter what You’re mightier than Their sword sharp tongues Oh I promise You are loved Yes I promise You are loved So don’t give up When you forget the words I will sing them for you When I forget the words Will you sing them for me? When you forget the words I will sing them for you