Living in the USA

Living in the USA — © 2014 by Myron Schreck
 
I got my feet on the ground and my nose to the grindstone. But what’s so good about that? When wages stay the same – but prices go up. That’s the Working Class trap.  
 
But they say it’s a good thing – I still have a job
They say it’s a good thing – I still pay my rent
And they tell me: “Count your blessings. Don’t complain. You’re lucky to be living in the U.S.A.”
 
I heard a man on TV discuss taxes.  He said it kills job creation and wealth. He said he closed all his plants in Ohio, and he opened them in China instead. He said American workers are lazy, and the wages they demand are too high. And he’s had quite enough of paying workman’s comp.   Well if he can complain, why can’t I?

But they say it’s a good thing – I still have a job
They say it’s a good thing – I still pay my rent
And they tell me: “Count your blessings. Don’t complain. You’re lucky to be living in the U.S.A.”
 
Sometimes I can’t afford gas. And sometimes I can’t afford a good pair of boots. Choose between medicine and food? Tell me what the working class is supposed to do?
 
I’m working day and night – one job then another.  
Try to get by on an hourly wage.  
While the rich get rich and avoid paying taxes.  
Doesn’t seem right – but that’s the working class life.  
 
And when I contact members of Congress, they always say they’re too busy for me. They’re meeting lobbyists & dialing for dollars … from Corporations and big industries. They dole out no-bid contracts and tax breaks – “Corporate Welfare” & huge subsidies. Congress says we must care … for our poor billionaires. How come they can be greedy – not me?
 
But they say it’s a good thing – I’m not on the streets
They say it’s a good thing– I still can buy beans
And they tell me: “Count your blessings. Don’t complain. You’re lucky to be living in the U.S.A.”
 
I’m working day and night – one job then another.  
Try to get by on an hourly wage.  
While the rich get rich and avoid paying taxes.  
Doesn’t seem right – but that’s the working class life.  
 
So keep your feet on the ground and your nose to the grindstone, though what’s the good doing that? You end up bankrupt or broke – and your vote’s just a joke. That’s the Working Class trap.  
 
They say it’s a good thing. You still have a job.
They say it’s a good thing. You still can pay rent.
And they tell you:   “Count your blessings. Don’t complain. You’re lucky to be living in the U.S.A.”
“Just be happy that you’re living in the U.S.A.”
“Yes be grateful to be living in the U.S.A.”
“You better love it or leave it – that’s the U.S.A.”
 
Why get angry? Why complain? It gets you nowhere when you’re working class U.S.A .