[Verse 1] Back in forty-eight when times were bright Workers had a voice and bargaining might Union density meant members strong Coverage spread protection along Right-to-work laws came to divide Weakened the power workers could provide [Chorus] Density, coverage, bargaining power Minimum wage by the hour Transfers and taxes, who gets what share Predistribution makes it fair Before the money hits your hand That's how we build prosperity's plan [Verse 2] Minimum wage once lifted high Real value helped families get by Coverage expanded, workers protected But over time it got neglected Inflation ate the buying power While wages stagnated hour by hour [Chorus] Density, coverage, bargaining power Minimum wage by the hour Transfers and taxes, who gets what share Predistribution makes it fair Before the money hits your hand That's how we build prosperity's plan [Bridge] Sectoral bargaining sets the floor For whole industries, not just one store Firm by firm leaves workers weak It's broader power that we seek EITC helps the working poor Social Security opens doors Medicare, Medicaid for care Progressive taxes make it fair [Verse 3] Redistribution takes and gives After the market decides who lives well Predistribution shapes the game Before wealth flows, it's not the same Union strength and wage laws too Set the rules for me and you [Chorus] Density, coverage, bargaining power Minimum wage by the hour Transfers and taxes, who gets what share Predistribution makes it fair Before the money hits your hand That's how we build prosperity's plan [Outro] From forty-eight to present day The rules have changed along the way Understanding how wealth flows That's the key to how prosperity grows
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