[Verse 1]
After the war in forty-eight
America was feeling great
Factories humming, workers strong
Unions fighting all along
Wage controls kept things in line
While production hit its prime
Manufacturing led the way
Good jobs with living pay
[Chorus]
Golden years, prosperity shared
Progressive tax rates, burdens paired
High demand for working hands
Broad-based growth across the land
Golden years, the middle grew
When America's dream came true
[Verse 2]
Tax the wealthy, rates so high
Ninety percent at the top, oh my
Revenue flowed to build and grow
Infrastructure's steady flow
GI Bill opened doors so wide
College, housing, nationwide
Though some were left outside the gate
Progress moved at steady rate
[Chorus]
Golden years, prosperity shared
Progressive tax rates, burdens paired
High demand for working hands
Broad-based growth across the land
Golden years, the middle grew
When America's dream came true
[Bridge]
Steel and cars and factories
Built the strong economies
Labor unions held their ground
Living wages could be found
From the forties through the seventies
Shared prosperity was the key
[Verse 3]
Veterans came home to find
Education, homes combined
Suburbs growing, families fed
Middle class was widespread
Manufacturing jobs galore
Lifted millions from the floor
When workers had a stronger voice
Prosperity was their choice
[Final Chorus]
Golden years, prosperity shared
Progressive tax rates, burdens paired
High demand for working hands
Broad-based growth across the land
Golden years, the middle grew
When America's dream came true
Golden years, now we can see
How we built equality
[Outro]
From forty-eight the story starts
Of how we built these stronger parts
Remember how prosperity
Can grow when shared by you and me