Political - MONEY TALKS (1)

(Intro - Instrumental hook first - bongo drums first then harmonica) (Vocal -Male main vocal folk - whispered soft MALE folk voice, backing female vocal echo's) [Verse 1] There's a seat at the table if you've got the fee, A handshake in private where nobody sees. The lobbyist whispers, the contracts appear, Funny how business gets louder each year. [Verse 2] A company calls with a generous plan, A politician listens and says, "Yes, we can." A little donation, a favour or two, Suddenly everyone's thinking like you. [Pre-Chorus] Money talks softly, but everyone hears, It opens the doors that stay locked for years. The public gets promises, polished and bright, While deals get decided behind closed doors at night. [Chorus] Bought and paid for, dressed up as choice, Money in the room speaks louder than the voice. Bought and paid for, that's how the game goes, Follow the money and see where it flows. They call it influence, call it the art, Funny how money keeps winning the heart. Bought and paid for, written in gold... Democracy's priceless — or so we've been told. [Verse 3] They promise more jobs, they promise more growth, Then quietly rewrite the rules they wrote. A loophole appears, a regulation bends, Funny how profit and policy become such good friends. [Verse 4] The campaign gets funded, the banners go high, Promises sparkle beneath the blue sky. Then election day comes, the speeches are done, Time to remember who helped pay for the fun. [Pre-Chorus] One hand gives money, one hand gives thanks, One signs the cheque while the other one banks. Nobody's bought — that's what they'll say, Just funny how the rules keep going their way. [Chorus] Bought and paid for, dressed up as choice, Money in the room speaks louder than the voice. Bought and paid for, that's how the game goes, Follow the money and see where it flows. They call it influence, call it the art, Funny how money keeps winning the heart. Bought and paid for, written in gold... Democracy's priceless — or so we've been told. [Bridge] No suitcase of cash, no deal in the street, Just access and favours and people to meet. No one's corrupt — everybody's clean, It's just business as usual behind the machine. [Breakdown] Nothing to see here... Move along. The cheque was a donation... The favour was gone. Nothing was bought... Nothing was sold... Funny how the story... Keeps getting told. [Final Chorus] Bought and paid for, dressed up as choice, Money in the room speaks louder than the voice. Bought and paid for, now everybody knows, Follow the money and see where it flows. You can change the faces, repaint the wall, But money still gets through the biggest door of all. Bought and paid for, written in gold... Democracy's priceless — or so we've been told. [Outro] No secret handshake, no smoking gun, Just millions of dollars making things get done. They call it influence, they call it the way... Funny how the people always seem to pay.