Prosperity Rearranged

[Verse 1] You pinned a little flag above the checkout line Said the future’s looking bright if we don’t check the price Dad’s old suit is pressed, the rent is overdue But the men on TV say the math is working through [Chorus] Cut the ribbon, pass the plate Everybody’s doing great If the numbers look a little strange That’s just prosperity rearranged [Verse 2] They trimmed the school’s old map and polished up the speech Moved the goalposts farther than the kids can reach A banker got a handshake, a factory got a sign Saying “closed for progress” in red letters nine feet high [Chorus] Cut the ribbon, pass the plate Everybody’s doing great If the numbers look a little strange That’s just prosperity rearranged [Bridge] I heard the trickle’s on its way It’s been delayed since yesterday The forecast says to wait and see There’s plenty for the likes of me [Verse 3] So toast the grand design with tap water in a jar The ladder’s getting shorter, but they’ve raised the topmost bar We’ll read the fine print slowly while the brass band leads the parade And clap for all the bargains that we’re told we never paid [Final Chorus] Cut the ribbon, pass the plate Everybody’s doing great If the numbers look a little strange That’s just prosperity rearranged [Outro] Doing great Doing great Just rearranged