[Intro] [The stage is dark. A spotlight hits a double bass player. The bass walks a cool, creeping line: Bum-bum-bum-bum…] [Rhythmic finger snaps: Snap... Snap... Snap…] Spoken [Smooth, cynical, slightly mocking]: One, two, three, four... Start the count, boys. We’ve got work to do. Stay focused... Wait five years, and you might just get a promotion. [the brass section blasts a sharp sting] (Verse 1) [The singer steps into the light, adjusting a fedora. The music is prowling and low.] I walk the streets, of the land of the free, Turning left to right, but what do I see? I start to realize, underneath the lights, There ain't no such thing as "worker rights." It’s a sugar-coated story, a pie in the sky, But we don't get a slice—it’s just one big lie. [Chorus] [The band kicks in full swing—loud, brassy, and energetic] Yeah, they lie to us, with that cheap, sweet talk! Squeezing out the life, while we walk the walk. Working us down to our little white bones, With no breaks allowed, and no loans for homes! With a little bit of pay, just enough to live, Begging for the crumbs that they never give! [Verse 2] [The music drops back to just bass and drums. The singer leans in close to the listener.] Now the old folks gather, and they complain to you, Saying, "You kids never work like we used to do!" They point a finger with a heavy scowl, But they don't see the wolf on the corporate prowl. While the new generation just shrugs it off, Trying not to sicken with that coal-mine cough. Yeah, we shrug it off, and we take the tone, 'Cause we’re already working... right to the bone. [Bridge] [Tempo accelerates. Chaotic, frantic jazz piano solo ensues] [The singer shouts over the music] Round and round the treadmill goes! Where it stops? Nobody knows! Make a dollar, spend a dime, Running out of breath and running out of time! [Chorus] [Maximum volume—Big Finish Energy] Yeah, they lie to us, with that cheap, sweet talk! Squeezing out the life, while we walk the walk. Working us down to our little white bones, With no breaks! With little pay! With the crumbs... that... they... never... give! [Outro] [The music stops abruptly, leaving only the upright bass walking again] Spoken: They say hard work pays off… ...I’m still waiting on the receipt
