[Verse 1]
They keep the numbers locked away
Behind closed doors where secrets stay
Your salary band is just a guess
While they hold all the cards, no less
Whisper about your pay today
They'll find a reason you can't stay
Though it's your right by federal law
They'll make you think that it's a flaw
[Chorus]
Compensation opacity
Keeping workers in the dark
Information asymmetry
Gives them leverage, leaves their mark
Pay bands vague and criteria unclear
Discrimination hiding here
When the truth comes out at last
Trust is broken, shadows cast
[Verse 2]
Sarah does the same job as Mike
But her paycheck's half the size
When promotion time comes around
The reasons given are unsound
"Cultural fit" and "leadership style"
Subjective words that rank and file
Can never challenge or debate
While pay gaps perpetuate
[Chorus]
Compensation opacity
Keeping workers in the dark
Information asymmetry
Gives them leverage, leaves their mark
Pay bands vague and criteria unclear
Discrimination hiding here
When the truth comes out at last
Trust is broken, shadows cast
[Bridge]
Gender gaps and racial bias
Hidden in the salary maze
Negotiation skills rewarded
While the quiet ones get less paid
HR claims they're building trust
While the system is unjust
Transparency could set us free
End compensation mystery
[Chorus]
Compensation opacity
Keeping workers in the dark
Information asymmetry
Gives them leverage, leaves their mark
Pay bands vague and criteria unclear
Discrimination hiding here
When the truth comes out at last
Trust is broken, shadows cast
[Outro]
Share your wages, know your worth
Bring these secrets to the earth
Only sunlight kills the mold
Of pay secrets they withhold