"Backroad Blues" is an oblique view of contemporary youth, particularly the so-called Generation Y, of which I'm a reluctant member. The character of Chip, a playful twenty something who needs little time in making new friends is ultimately a man with no cares, no responsibilities, and, in the end, no compassion. Kent, a representation of the dwindling contemporary, blue-collar Midwesterner, deteriorates as he's forced to make decisions that undermine everything he stands for. But he continues to base his decisions entirely for the well-being of his family. In the end, however, it's too late, despite a final act which may yield his family with some betterment.