In the span from the Willamette to about west 15th Avenue, from Burnside to Lovejoy or so, there’s a revitalization going on that we’ve all seen, the heart of which is the Pearl District.  The funny thing I’ve observed is that although there are some really cool buildings going up, none of us have time to notice them or appreciate their design before another building (or two) has gone up.  The northwest skyline changes almost weekly, it seems, and large constructions crane are always dotted throughout it.  So this week’s song, “Just Another Northwest High Rise” -- inspired somewhat by The Bangles’ “Manic Monday” -- is a song from the perspective of one of the new northwest buildings (doesn’t matter which one, take your pick).  The building is lamenting the fact that if it were in another city it would be truly original, but stuck amid the other cool buildings in northwest Portland it is, as the title says, just another northwest high rise.

Lyrics:

Architecturally I’m a wonder,

Made from solid stuff.

The firm that planned me was perfect,

Their designs were up to snuff.

While inside I am stylish,

My exterior is rough.

But even though I’m first-rate,

I guess it’s not enough.

If I were in St. Paul, I’d be the crown of the city.

If I were in Wyoming, I’d make some history.

But here I am in Portland, and yes it’s sad for me:

I can’t believe my eyes,

It came as a surprise,

When the best that folks can say of me is:

“It’s just another northwest high rise.”

In 1990 who’d have thought

Northwest would grow so well?

The industrial zone that was

Has become the Pearl in the shell.

And though it’s great to be in the center

Where the urban renewal dwells,

I’d rather be in a city

Where I could truly excel.

If I were in Kansas City, I’d be talk of the town.

If I were in Baton Rouge, I’d be the only show around.

But here I am in Portland, and now I’m feeling down:

From the ground into the skies,

In splendor I arise,

But still it seems my swank address is:

“Just another northwest high rise.”

(Plan me!)

Record time,

(Construct me!)

Quite sublime,

(Sell me!)

Watch prices climb

(There’ll be another me!)

Coming down the line!

(Design me!)

Record time,

(Build me!)

Quite sublime,

(Lease me!)

Watch prices climb,

(There’ll still another me!)

On the assembly line!

If I were in Salt Lake City, I’d be considered great.

If I were off in Salem—well, I’m glad that’s not my fate.

But here I sit in Portland, my tale to relate:

Though I’m a treasured prize,

It’s clear now, I surmise,

That all I’ll ever be is:

“Just another northwest high rise.”