“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” — William Faulkner
I would like to begin this rebuttal by asking what you mean by “clarity of purpose,” which you claim to be seeking with this essay. Are you talking about the song itself, and the purpose of it? Or are you merely, as you state, offering your thoughts on what it represents to you?
You go on to elucidate about the “powerful solidarity” and the “common identity” which this song — to you, at least — represents.
It’s interesting that you would only use your own perspective when speaking about “solidarity” and “common identity,” while willfully ignoring the Black Americans who have played and continue to play for Texas who are disturbed by this song.