Song Lyrics


2020: The Musical 

Song Lyrics 
(songs listed in alphabetical order)

All for One (Tax Reform)

All for One and none for all.
Republicans herald their call.
Inequity that’s legal.
Thank the big bald eagle.
It’s the po’ what takes the fall.

Stockpile trillions. Richer than Midas dreamed.
Hoarding billions. More than Scrooge ever schemed.
Loopholes abound for those who have the dough.
Nothing for the others. That’s a mighty blow.
Greetings to our US aristocracy.
It passes wealth to heirs totally tax free.

The U.S. Tax Code, it ain’t fair.
We should all pay what’s our fair share.
But as the code is written
Employees get smitten
With no dividends to declare.

Gates and Buffet say they should pay more tax.
Thumbing noses, others head off to Saks.
The richest of the rich own 35 percent.
The rest of us just wonder where our paychecks went.
The Senate says it has more important fish to fry,
But we needa, gotta have a bigger piece of pie.

Too many loopholes for the rich.
Cause estate taxes took the pitch
When Reagan started slashin’
Well-heeled now can cash in.
It is legal. What a bitch.

Infrastructure is taking a real big hit.
We’re told, “Man up. Tighten your belts a bit.”
The Senate likes deep pockets, says “pay to play” the game.
Big donors ante up, then rise to stake their claim.
Deficit-financed tax cuts increase national debt.
Just strip education and healthcare. No need to get upset.

An elephant is in the room.
If he stays here, count on more doom. 
The dems can change the raucus.
When they have their caucus.
2020. Bust or boom.
-----------



Citizens United Gone

Reason cast to the wind.
No order of the day.
Corporate donors, wealthy
Makin’ hay.
Efforts to control
Have hit a tough brick wall.
System’s broke.


Collapse we must forestall.

Restore Democracy
Our Founding Fathers’ dream
So legislators do what’s best for us.
Citizens United gone.
A maniacal scheme.
No, we won’t be thrown under the bus.

Rich with millions, billions
Are here to steal the day.
No common sense. No rules on
how to play.
Those who have deep pockets
Would stymie our sound beat.
Firm resolve.
Their turn to take the heat.

Restore Democracy
Our Founding Fathers’ dream
So legislators do what’s best for us.
Citizens United gone.
A maniacal scheme.
No, we won’t be thrown under the bus.

Special Interests. Foreign corps
‘Been having a field day.
No balances, no checks
get in their way.
We need a new amendment
To overturn High Court.
Gather steam.


Their goings-on cut short.

A method fair and wise,
The order of the day
Funding those who’ll run
and those who’ll stay.
Disclosed donations
Limits seen as legit
Purse strings tight.
No unexpected hit.


Restore Democracy
Our Founding Fathers’ dream
So legislators do what’s best for us.
Citizens United gone.
A maniacal scheme.
No, we won’t be thrown under the bus.

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Democrats Forever

Democrats Forever. Opportunity for all.
Out to help our citizens and in for the long haul.
Supporting what’s right and fair and always on the ball.
Democrats Forever. That’s our call.

Democrats Forever. Authors of the new Green Deal.
How can we turn away -- our children’s future steal?
Global warming is not something Congress can conceal.
Democrats Forever. Charge with zeal.

If you’re struggling to get by and need a higher wage,
Dems are fighting for you. On your side.
Have you found good healthcare is way out of your reach?
Change is slow, but watch the turning tide.

Democrats Forever. We must not discriminate.
Now’s the time to take the lead and set the record straight.
Each may choose who they can love and who they want to mate.
Democrats Forever. Wipe out hate.

Democrats Forever. We commit to Roe v. Wade.
A woman’s right to choose is clear and must not be waylaid.
Adjudicated in the past. Challenges must be stayed.
Democrats Forever. Unafraid.

Is your child’s education suffering in the school?
This is something Dems cannot abide.
Looking for a place to live where energy is clean?
Dems want regulation country-wide.

Democrats Forever. We are sure to win the race.
Yellow, brown or red or white – we never will debase.
Make your mark. Stake your claim. The US is your place.
Democrats Forever. Start the chase.

Democrats Forever. Stand for Integrity.
Always in the ring and fighting for Equality.
Committing to what is just with no impunity.
Democrats Forever. Proud and free.

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Dump the Trump in 2020

Dump the Trump in 2020.
We need a leader who knows wrong from right.
Dump the Trump in 2020.   
Beat at the polls, impeach him or indict.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
Let’s tell the dope, “Go out and fly a kite.”
A TV star seemed sexy, but now we’re just perplexy.
It’s taken too long to see the light.

Dump the Trump in 2020.
The time has come to halt his bigotry.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
And choose someone who has integrity.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
Let’s keep this land we live in brave and free.
A guy who has no scruples and always looks for loopholes –
Face the facts, he is all at sea. 

Dump the Trump in 2020.
Our candidate, we’ll hold in high esteem.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
Someone who’s sensible and not extreme.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
A player who will work well with their team.
Forgive misapprehension. There’s been so much dissension.
It’s time now to stop this awful dream.

Dump the Trump in 2020.
Let’s ditch this prez whose tactics are to scare.
Dump the Trump in 2020.
And choose another who is on the square.
Dump the Trump in 2020.                      
A new day dawns when there is no despair.
His reign has such wrong doin’, the new nominee’s a shoe in.
An overdue end to this affair.

----------

Eh Boy (Criminal Justice Reform)

Eh boy, how many years you locked up?
Tough roll. If only you was white.
Bad call? It doesn’t really matter.
You’re in the clink. The system thinks it’s right.

Eh boy, how is your son or daughter?
Too bad. Not there to get your call.
Hard luck. Think you may never see ‘em.
You’re in the clink. And backed against the wall.

One system for the rich.
Another for the poor.
What‘s on the judge’s mind?

Who’ll get the best plea?
Who will go ‘scot free”?
How’s the DA inclined?

Eh boy, how do you like your cell mate?
Sick jerk? They’ll move you sometime soon.
Chow time. Oh no, the dreaded ladle.
You’re in the clink. Food’s no better at noon.

Eh boy. You got a job assignment?
Me too. Computer rebuild.
Hot shot. I’m working now on printers.
You’re in the clink. Prepare. Work in a field.

One system for the rich.
Another for the poor.
What‘s on the judge’s mind?

Who’ll get the best plea?
Who will go ‘scot free”?
How’s the DA inclined?

Eh boy. What do you think’s important?
Road blocks. But you can get upstream.
Times Up. One day you’ll be a free man.
You’re in the clink. But you can have a dream.

----------

Flying Blind (Universal Healthcare)

Flying blind because the money’s tight.
We’re not alone ‘cause healthcare’s out of sight.
After groceries, rent and gas are paid
There’s just the credit cards.

When the kids are sick we pray it quickly passes.
But hope and prayers don’t always make it so.
A shot of whiskey laced with sweet molasses
Can shoo away the cough but the temperature won’t go.

Flying blind because of constant debt.
‘Wish we had coverage. That’s a big regret.
With student loans and the car repairs
The stack of bills just grows.

We have looked at job posts of our northern neighbor.
But leaving friends would make that really rough.
Healthcare complete and wages for our labor
Pass Medicare for all. Take a stand that may be tough.

Flying blind. There’s no alternative.
The time has come. Something has gotta give.
Constantly worried, struggling just to live.
Where is our Congress?
Where is some action?
Where is foresight?

----------

Hands Down Better (Discrimination)

The Clarinet told me she disliked the Trombone.
The Trombone had a slide to change his pitch
So loud and mellow it would draw all attention,
His style and sound not refined, simply kitsch.

And then the Trombone thumbed his bell at the French Horn.
Her shape curvaceous with a circular flow.
The tone she offered, elegance teamed with power,
Her button – like valves she used to temper the blow.

What had the French Horn to say to the Trumpet?
You are so small and have no flair to flaunt.
The best you can do is to share some staccato
Your wah wah wah wah is something I do not want.

The Trumpet cautioned to look down on the Flute.
A narrow tube, she had no style to share.
She’d hog the melody ‘cause she hit the high notes
A prima donna, she’s a lot of hot air.

The Flute was filled with what was Clarinet - envy.
She had no reed and fumed about the slight.
Still she was gold, her woodwind brother was wooden
He could not hit high notes, she acknowledged with spite.

And then the time came when they could not fly solo.
Each sang their part and was in turn dismayed.
Alone their sounds were really quite pleasant.
But it was hands down better when together they played.

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Happy Birthday Baby

Happy Birthday, baby. Yes. It’s time to celebrate.
Take a deep breath, blow out candles, make a wish and cut your cake.
We’ll share a toast to happiness and health throughout the year.
Oh, Happy Birthday, baby. Let’s fill your day with cheer.

Happy Birthday, baby. Choose what flavors you like best.
A party with your family and friends with whom you’re blessed.
Pick wrapping, ribbons, party hats – whatever you may please.
Your birthday comes just once a year. Smile pretty and say “cheese.”

May your life be filled with bliss.
Give love and you’ll receive.
May you cherish hope and prosper.
Steadfastly believe.
May your follies lead to reason.
Try and you’ll achieve.  
May you ride rough times with peace and joy.

Happy Birthday, baby. Yes. It’s time to have a ball.
Stay in the game. Pull out the stops from morning ‘til last call.
A lively time with fun and games to make your day first-rate.
Oh, Happy Birthday, baby. It’s time to celebrate.

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I Want to Play with You (Lobbying Reform)

It’s so exciting.
You’re so inviting.
I want to play with you.
You want more candy?
Well, I’m your dandy.
I want to play with you.
Our clients want to donate
But Uncle Sam says, “No. No.”
It’s not a bribe, a fundraiser.
Just see how the money will flow.
It’s so propitious.
You’re all my wishes.
I want to play with you.

We are here as your aide.
To ensure you make the grade.
We’ll author and edit --
And you won’t regret it.
It’s merely part of our trade.

No limitation
On our flirtation
I want to play with you.
What makes this thrilling
Is if you’re willing
I want to play with you.
I can raise legal tender, 
Your pals in the Senate endorse.
My client is a big spender
Just throw a few votes to the source.
You say I’m charming.
So where’s the harming?
I want to play with you.

Industry, interest group,
Big labor, it’s all duck soup.
We’ve got “dark money”
The day is quite sunny.
It’s just how low you will stoop.

It’s not freewheeling,
just double-dealing
I want to play with you.
Call it corruption
A legal luncheon
I want to play with you.
First Amendment rights clear here.
Opinions freely expressed.
We only ask for your ear here.
Then you do what you think’s best.

We’ll make it easy.
Just as you pleasy.
I want to play with
Do what we may with
I want to play with you.

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Isaac and Ishmael  (Middle East Conflict)         

Brothers tease and brothers fight, but have each other’s back.
May trade a smack,
But don’t attack.
Brothers tease and brothers taunt but brothers hold a truce.
They surely don’t play fast and loose.

What would Isaac say if he could speak here?
What would Ishmael now share?
What would Abraham want for our future?
Assuredly, they’d want us to care.
Would they understand the problems we face?
Would they comprehend mistrust and fear?
Would they usher in an era of peace
Welcoming, accepting every peer?

Fathers teach and fathers love and fathers bless offspring.
Their talents bring.
Their virtues sing.
Fathers guide and fathers chide and fathers do advise.
And brothers meet when Father dies.

Can Arabs and Jews please come together?
Meet as friends and not as foes?
What to do when there is  no consensus.
Work things out, avoid coming to blows?
As enemies, there will be no way to win.
With tolerance we can live and let live.
Violence is not a means to an end.
Communicate, my brothers. Take and give.

----------

Let’s Take Out the NRA (Gun Control)

One hundred gun deaths daily
In the USA.
Thousands with personal loss.
Give thanks to the NRA.

Four hundred million firearms.
Who will their owners slay?
1.2 guns per person.
Give thanks to the NRA.

Modern sporting rifles
Euphemism is at play.
These are assault-style weapons.
Give thanks to the NRA.

They say Second Amendment rights
Mean guns are here to stay.
But there’s no regulation.
Give thanks to the NRA.

We need some laws to stem the tide
‘Cause safety held at bay
prompts murder and mayhem.
Give thanks to the NRA.

High capacity magazines,
Bump fire stocks, hooray!
Let’s strike out at those we hate.
Give thanks to the NRA.

Gun control is what we need
Put sensible laws in play.
Stop! Congress is on the take.
Give thanks to the NRA.

Who spent more than thirty mil
In ‘18 to get their way?
The answer is an easy one.
Give thanks to the NRA.

Gun violence prevention policies
With kick will soon allay
The massacres too often seen.
Let’s take out the NRA.

Gun violence prevention
With kick will soon allay
The massacres too often seen.
Let’s take out the NRA.

There is a new bandwagon
Since Parkland’s bloody fray.
Everytown for Gun Safety
Let’s take out the NRA.

You must be fit to own a gun
Why should this spark dismay?
Domestic abuse means you don’t pass.
Let’s take out the NRA.

Say no to alcohol misuse
And drugs that can waylay.
Time for laws that will protect.
Let’s Take out the NRA.

Depression or mental illness?
You will be turned away.
This is for the good of all.
Let’s take out the NRA.

You must be at least 21,
Or there will be delay.
Be patient and your time will come.
Let’s Take out the NRA.

But if you have convictions,
A result of your foul play
You will not get a license.
Let’s Take out the NRA.

Gun-safety course and background checks
Provisions to obey.
Follow the rules for licensure.
Let’s take out the NRA.

----------

My Body, My Choice (Reproductive Rights)

Did you ever leave your lover when you wanted to stay?
Did you ever quit a match when there was still time to play?
Did you ever face a quandary where there was no night or day?
Did you ever think you’d lose your right to choose?
My Body.
My Choice.
My Life.
My Voice.
My Thoughts.
My Needs.
Come stand by me.
Rejoice.
Did you ever take the side of one you knew had no sway?
Did you ever think you’d lose your right to choose?

Did you ever tell a white lie to help someone save face?
Did you ever get accused at the wrong time and place?
Did you ever take a shot that was a hole of an ace?
Did you ever think you’d lose your right to choose?
My Body.
My Choice.
My Life.
My Voice.
My Thoughts.
My Needs.
Come stand by me.
Rejoice.
Did you ever pick an option that to you spoke of grace?
Did you ever think you’d lose your right to choose?

Did you ever believe others would invade your privacy?
Did you ever conclude they’d force you to see things as they see?
Did you ever fathom they would control your pregnancy?
Did you ever think you’d lose your right to choose?
My Body.
My Choice.
My Life.
My Voice.
My Thoughts.
My Needs.
Come stand by me.
Rejoice.
Did you ever think those who govern would enact policy
That flies in the face of what we call democracy?

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On Our Way  (Female President)

Can a woman take the reins,
Show the know-how, have the brains,
Weather all the grief and strains?
She’ll lead us on our way.

Does she have leadership traits,
To rise and guide us through tough straits,
Strike back when crisis dictates?
She’ll lead us on our way.

The Chancellor of Germany
Time’s ‘Person of the Year.’  
Ms. Merkel as G7 Chief.
She towers in her sphere.

Can a female assume power,
Be a hero of the hour,
Find a fix when things turn sour?
She’ll lead us on our way.

Does menopause make one unfit,
To challenge wrongs that were once writ,
Be the bearer of true grit?
She’ll lead us on our way.

A tough PM of the U.K.   
Whose tenure lasted long.
Thatcherism still draws tough debate.
The ‘Iron Lady’ strong.  

Will she have great enterprise,
Ignore ‘nays, respect the ‘ayes’
Listen closely, then advise?
She’ll lead us on our way.

Can she show authority,
Or cave to majority,
Recognize priority?
She’ll lead us on our way.

A dedicated Zionist
Israel was Golda’s home.
Her life faithful to politics.
For peace she worked. Shalom.

Can a lady grasp command,
Struggle but then make a stand       
Take our congress by the hand?
She’ll lead us on our way.

----------

Republican Do Si Do

Greet the partner you’ll have along the way.
Tell them, “no abortion.” On that you won’t sway.
Circle right. Keep the democrats at bay.
Healthcare for everyone is something you can’t take.
Swing your partner to the right. Never break.
Do Si Do to broadcast news that’s hot but fake.

Face in. Face out. Two-faced if need be.
Wrong Way Grand is the right way, you see.
Step Thru your partner. Promenade. Take no knee.
Same sex partner?  You’’ll be under attack.
Divide and Separate. That’s the caller’s quack.
Directions to labor. No choice. U Turn Back.
Yee haw

It’s all about the money. It’s all about the greed.
The Haves and the Have Nots. That is guaranteed.
Profit is king when it comes to politics.     
Republicans cast off all your wicked tricks.
Yee Haw

Allemande Right with the NRA.
Shoot ‘em up. Bang. Bang. Wipe out every gay.
Ladies Out. Time for Men to Sashay.
Affirmative action. Take a backseat.
Planned Parenthood. Write a ‘thumbs down’ tweet.  
Women have no choice. Greater good for sake of Pete.

Courtesy Turn. Big oil go and frack.
Pass Thru public schools. Partners don’t Back Track.
Cross Fold on Climate Change; You’d rather have the “jack.”
U Turn Away Social Security
Move Along Medicare, Medicaid flee.
Do what is Christian says the Party of Tea.
Yee haw.

It’s all about the money. It’s all about the greed.
The Haves and the Have Nots. That is guaranteed.
Profit is king when it comes to politics.     
Republicans cast off all your wicked tricks.
Yee Haw

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Simple Times Gone By (Global Warming)

I used to sit out on the front porch with my grandpa.
We’d stare out at the wheat fields and blue pristine sky. 
He’d share stories from his youth. I’d hang onto every truth.
Now I contemplate those simple times gone by.

We never gave a thought to what’s called global warming.
Sometimes it rained. Sometimes it snowed. Weather was fine.
Never saw a longtime drought. There were plenty of trout.
Now we’re faced with what could be ‘end of the line.’

I read somewhere our atmosphere is making things real bleak.
The fossil fuels we’ve used for power now mean we’re ‘up a creek.’
Wildfires and flooding cause us monumental debt. 
The sea level is rising fast. An ecosystem threat.
Renewable energy has power to pave the way.
Plant trees and vegetation to help to save the day.
We can’t ignore the warnings cloaked in heat and hurricane.
Let’s halt this world disaster – something we can still attain.

So now I sit out on the front porch with my grandkids.
We stare out at the houses and broad city street.
I share stories from my youth. They hang onto every truth.
And I contemplate the challenges they’ll meet.

We can still save our planet if we work together.
The Paris Plan can put us where we need to be.
Across the globe we must unite for this consequential fight.
So I can pass on what my grandpa gave to me.

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Stack the Deck (Gerrymandering, Voter Purges, Electoral College Reform)

You don’t need to study art while in school
To learn how to draw a crooked line.
Any cartographer drafting a map can show you
Gerrymandering that’s fine.
When in power, take the bull by the horns,
Partisan your chart. Make a survey.
Use big words to divert and distract.
They’ll never see that you got your way.

Pick a card,
Any card that you want.
Take an ace.
I’ve more up my sleeve.
We all know just
How the party will end.
Stack the deck.
We’re poised to deceive.

Set your sites on the “winner takes all,”
A strategy to win the big prize.
The Electoral College system is frankly rigged
You can cut your opponent down to size.
Maximize every step that you take.
Ignore voters outside the swing states.
Check out who’s leaning red, leaning blue.
Then you schedule your campaigning dates.

Pick a card,
Any card that you want.
Take an ace.
I’ve more up my sleeve.
We all know just
How the party will end.
Stack the deck.
We’re poised to deceive.

Purge the voter rolls to erode their base.
Cut minorities and all of their kin.
Low income residents might threaten your cause.
Throw them out to ensure the big win.
Should they show up at the polls, advise,
“You lack proper ID to vote.”
Intimidate when opportunity knocks.
Once they are gone, you can gloat.

----------

Sunday Bloody Sunday (Racism)

Way back in ’65,
Feelin’ so alive
With promise of our hope and dream.
Our right–to-vote campaign
Would not be led in vain.
Our adversaries so extreme.
Well-fixed in our intent,
This peaceful march event--
Part of a greater scheme.
Put racism asunder
A clap followed by thunder
The troopers club and then a scream.

Oh, Bloody Sunday, don’t run day, stand fast.
Tyranny, Selma, it surely won’t last.   

Hate, your call is senseless,
Discrimination will not out.
It’s time to work together.
We can find a civil route.

Does it take the TV to unmask your shame?
Fifty million viewers to protest and blame?
Federal courts to terminate your vicious game?
A National Voting Rights Trail they proclaim.

Discrimination’s back.
The Fed and states attack 
To cripple and suppress the vote.
Their purge-the-vote offense --
A racial smack intense
We need to find an antidote.
Dems have to lead the charge
If not the cost is large. 
Sound values to promote.
We’re all created equal
All rights for all the people.

We’ve got to stand and fight.
We’ve got to do what’s right.
The time is now.
Hark words that Lincoln wrote.

----------

The Border Wall Tango (Immigration)

The Great Wall of China is not great at all.
Compared to my wall it is really quite small.
A fortification made of stone, wood and lime
May be fine for China but it won’t last through time. 
My wall will be made of the strongest concrete.
An engineered wonder, an impressive feat.
No wait, American steel for this construction.   
Thirty feet high. It will reach to the sky.
And the men on the Moon won’t believe
What Donald J. Trump could achieve.                             

The Vatican City has walls. Ask the Pope.
They make sure outsiders cannot interlope.
If those walls are Christian, mine too must be fair.
Perhaps I’ll design and build a St. Donald Square.
Their first walls were raised in 846 A.D.  
To keep out invaders who came by the sea.
Barbarians of Middle East extraction.
Culprits may have changed. But they still are deranged.
So Mexicans, north do not roam.
Drug dealers and rapists, stay home.

Some say Mother Nature has built walls supreme.
Her Natural Borders are canyon and stream.
We cannot rely on valleys low and mountains high.
The criminal mind will find a way to slip by.  
Threatening our wetlands may be the price we pay.
Extinction of some species, Darwin said, “Well, that’s the way.”
We can’t neglect security for our safety.
If floods will drown and kill, then that is our Maker’s will.
An emergency of this size has national import.
Do or die, we must act now to thwart.

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The Public Wants (Term Limits for Judges)

The public wants term limits,
Judges impartial and fair,
Well - qualified, diversified, sincere.
Sustaining fundamental law,
In touch with how things are,
Decisions that reflect our times, quite clear.

Circuses politic, outrage and disbelief
Should not judicial system fodder be.
Conservative or liberal makes for a worthy mix.
The bottom line for judges, honesty.

The public wants term limits,
Judges responsive, forthright,
Whose vote reflects the people’s rights and needs.
Partisan motivation
Has no place upon the bench.
Impartiality must be what leads.

Circuses politic, outrage and disbelief
Should not judicial system fodder be.
Conservative or liberal makes for a worthy mix.
The bottom line for judges, honesty.

The public wants terms limits,
Judges who share real world views
An ivory tower tenure does not fly
Predictable duration
Circumscribed by decree
Hark, listen to our citizens’ outcry.

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This Life Shared in Poverty (Minimum Wage Reform)

‘Lost a good job in ‘17
through no fault of my own.
Living now from hand to mouth.
Thank God the kids are grown.
If I’d known back then what life held in store.
I never dreamed that we’d be so poor.
Nine bucks an hour
There’s got to be more.
This life shared in poverty.

We’ll sit and dream about a living wage--
Cover all bills to be paid.
Oysters and caviar – we can pretend.
A new dress, some shoes made of suede.

The hubby is now unemployed
With no new job in sight.
He’s started to recycle cans
That’s something. Well, not quite
I used to pull down 50 Gs.
How things have changed, pass the Ramen please.
A big juicy steak?
No. Let them eat cake.
This life shared in poverty.

Just crack a joke about medical bills.
If you don’t laugh, then you’ll cry.
Climb up the mountain. You might reach the top.
Others succeed. Why can’t I?

We rent a room in somebody’s house
Only four hundred feet square.
On its last legs, the car won’t last.
It rides on a wing and a prayer.
We share a cell phone. That saves bread.
A frivolous treat, pay the piper instead.
No movie night.
It doesn’t seem right.
This life shared in poverty.

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