[Verse 1] Back in forty-eight the middle class was strong Workers owned their homes, prosperity rolled along But somewhere down the line the balance broke apart Income gaps grew wide, but wealth inequality shot off the chart [Chorus] Why did wealth grow faster than the wages that we earn? Assets compound daily while paychecks barely turn Houses, stocks, and businesses multiply each year While working folks just struggle to keep their heads clear Wealth builds wealth, income pays the rent That's how the gap between the classes really went [Verse 2] Your paycheck might increase but wealth's a different game It's owning things that grow in value, not just earning fame The rich bought stocks and property that doubled every decade While workers spent their income and saw their savings fade [Chorus] Why did wealth grow faster than the wages that we earn? Assets compound daily while paychecks barely turn Houses, stocks, and businesses multiply each year While working folks just struggle to keep their heads clear Wealth builds wealth, income pays the rent That's how the gap between the classes really went [Verse 3] Now housing tells a story of policy and place Local zoning laws determined who could join the race Suburbs for some families, redlining for others Government-backed mortgages didn't help all brothers [Bridge] Property values rising Equity building fast But only for the chosen This advantage really lasts Local governance matters School districts divide Where you live determines How much wealth's inside [Chorus] Why did wealth grow faster than the wages that we earn? Assets compound daily while paychecks barely turn Houses, stocks, and businesses multiply each year While working folks just struggle to keep their heads clear Wealth builds wealth, income pays the rent That's how the gap between the classes really went [Outro] From forty-eight to now we've seen the story unfold Income inequality's bad, but wealth gaps took hold Housing policy mattered, local choices too Understanding history shows us what we need to do
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