[Verse 1] When a business makes some money from the things that they sell There's revenue coming in, and that's going well But there's costs to pay for workers, for materials too Normal profits for the risk, that's what owners are due [Chorus] Rent is what's above and beyond More than normal costs, it's the extra you've won Not just revenue flowing in It's surplus when the dust settles thin Rent, rent, above the line Economic surplus, now you shine [Verse 2] Picture a oil well on premium land Costs ten dollars per barrel, that's what was planned But the market price is twenty, so what do you see Ten dollars extra profit, that's rent for free [Chorus] Rent is what's above and beyond More than normal costs, it's the extra you've won Not just revenue flowing in It's surplus when the dust settles thin Rent, rent, above the line Economic surplus, now you shine [Bridge] Don't confuse it with the money that you pay each month For your apartment or your store, that's a different hunt Economic rent's the bonus when you beat the game Returns above normal, that's how you stake your claim [Verse 3] Monopoly power, special location Patents and licenses, market domination When barriers keep competitors away from your door The extra profits earned, that's rent to explore [Chorus] Rent is what's above and beyond More than normal costs, it's the extra you've won Not just revenue flowing in It's surplus when the dust settles thin Rent, rent, above the line Economic surplus, now you shine [Outro] Revenue minus normal costs and capital too What's left over is the rent coming through Economic surplus in your hand Now you understand
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