[Verse 1] Back in forty-eight when times were good Workers joined together like they should Union halls were packed, membership was high Bargaining for wages reaching for the sky Collective power meant a fairer share Benefits and pensions showed employers care [Chorus] When unions fall, inequality grows That's what all the data clearly shows Transfers help but can't fill every gap Market income sets the basic map Remember this economic fact Union strength keeps wages on track [Verse 2] Through the decades unions lost their way Members dropped from thirty-five percent they say Down to ten percent by modern day Wages stagnated while profits grew Middle class was shrinking, nothing new The gap between the rich and poor just flew [Chorus] When unions fall, inequality grows That's what all the data clearly shows Transfers help but can't fill every gap Market income sets the basic map Remember this economic fact Union strength keeps wages on track [Verse 3] Government tried transfers to bridge the space Food stamps, welfare, programs to embrace But handouts can't replace what workers earn When paychecks shrink, there's nowhere left to turn Market forces set the basic tone Transfers patch but can't fix what's been sown [Bridge] Evidence is clear from coast to coast States with weaker unions hurt the most Wealth flows upward when workers can't unite Transfer programs can't make everything right [Chorus] When unions fall, inequality grows That's what all the data clearly shows Transfers help but can't fill every gap Market income sets the basic map Remember this economic fact Union strength keeps wages on track [Outro] From prosperity's peak to where we are today Union decline paved inequality's way Transfers ease the pain but can't restore The broad-based wealth we knew before
← Before the Money Hits Your Hand | When the Charts Tell Stories →