Came across the video below on YouTube. I’ve only flown with my guitar once and that was pre-911 when you could bring your guitar as a carry on. This is a fine example of why you need to invest in a good flight case and insure your guitars. I agree with the lyrics, they are liable and it sad to see that customer service is pretty much dead in the airline industry. This is a pretty catchy song too and well written. I don’t think this would have been as effective if it wasn’t so well written but it looks like he might get his claim fulfilled (see links below) after all the attention this song has gotten.
United Breaks Guitars Lyrics
I flew United Airlines on the way to Nebraska The plane departed Halifax connecting in Chicago’s O’Hare While on the ground, the passengers said from the seat behind me “My God! They’re throwing guitars out there.”
The band and exchanged a look, best described as terror At the action on the tarmac and knowing who’s projectiles these would be So before I left Chicago, I alerted three employees Who showed complete indifference towards me
ChorusUnited, United You broke my Taylor guitar United, United Some big help you are You broke it, you should fix it You’re liable, just admit it I should have flown with someone else or GONE BY CAR… Cause United Breaks Guitars!
When we landed in Nebraska, I confirmed what I suspected My Taylor had been the victim of a vicious act of malice at O’Hare So began a year long saga of pass the buck don’t ask me And I’m sorry sir your claim can go nowhere
So to all the airlines people from New York To New Dehli Including kind Miss Irlweg who says the final word from them is no I’ve heard all your excuses and chased your wild gooses And say this attitude of yours, I say, must go
Chorus
Bridge: Well I won’t say I will never fly with you again cause maybe To save the world, I probably would but that won’t likely happen And if it did, I wouldn’t bring my luggage Cause you’d just go and break it Into a thousand pieces Just like you broke my heart When United Breaks Guitars!
Chorus Yeah United breaks guitars – End
Links:
http://davecarrollmusic.com/story/united-breaks-guitars (back story by the artist)
LA Times story on how Carroll might get some satisfaction from United.