[Verse 1] Back in forty-eight prosperity was shared around Middle class was growing strong, good jobs could still be found Then the tide began to shift, the wealth moved to the top Let's explore the reasons why this trend just wouldn't stop [Chorus] After-tax or pre-tax, that's the key divide Mechanical changes, structural changes side by side Finance revolution, shareholder value too Changed the way executives got paid and what they'd do Ask the right questions, find the patterns true Income inequality, we're breaking through [Verse 2] Mechanical changes happened after taxes paid Tax cuts for the wealthy, lower rates they made Structural changes hit before the tax man came Higher salaries and bonuses, a whole new game [Chorus] After-tax or pre-tax, that's the key divide Mechanical changes, structural changes side by side Finance revolution, shareholder value too Changed the way executives got paid and what they'd do Ask the right questions, find the patterns true Income inequality, we're breaking through [Verse 3] Finance grew much bigger, speculation rose Stock options for the bosses, that's the path they chose Shareholder value became the holy grail Quarterly profits mattered, long-term plans would fail [Bridge] Companies changed behavior, workers paid the price Short-term thinking ruled, rolled the loaded dice Executive compensation reached up to the sky While average wages stagnated, we must ask them why [Chorus] After-tax or pre-tax, that's the key divide Mechanical changes, structural changes side by side Finance revolution, shareholder value too Changed the way executives got paid and what they'd do Ask the right questions, find the patterns true Income inequality, we're breaking through [Outro] From nineteen forty-eight until today These forces shaped America's pay Remember the questions, keep them in sight Understanding history makes the future bright
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