[Verse 1]
Back in seventy-three the system broke apart
A golden promise that was doomed right from the start
The world needs dollars for their trade and their reserves
But every dollar printed makes the tension worse
[Chorus]
It's the Triffin trap, can't escape the math
Supply the world but gold won't last
Three ways out when the pressure's high
Revalue gold or watch it die
Or cut the cord and say goodbye
To convertibility
[Verse 2]
"Just buy more gold" they said, but here's the thing
When markets want a higher price than what you bring
You can't buy gold that no one wants to sell
You're forced to tighten, ring that austerity bell
[Chorus]
It's the Triffin trap, can't escape the math
Supply the world but gold won't last
Three ways out when the pressure's high
Revalue gold or watch it die
Or cut the cord and say goodbye
To convertibility
[Verse 3]
"Just lend dollars then, don't print and spend"
But lending creates claims that never end
Those foreign dollars still want gold on demand
Whether trade or credit, same old contraband
[Bridge]
Full backing means scarcity bites
Fractional backing means bank run nights
The dilemma's structural, built in the bones
Can't serve two masters from two different thrones
[Chorus]
It's the Triffin trap, can't escape the math
Supply the world but gold won't last
Three ways out when the pressure's high
Revalue gold or watch it die
Or cut the cord and say goodbye
To convertibility
[Outro]
Nixon closed the window, chose door number three
The end of Bretton Woods set the dollar free
From nineteen seventy-three the regime changed its face
No more golden anchor holding money in its place