Dive into the complexities of America's trade deficits and the unexpected privileges that come with them through this heartfelt country song. Join our narrator as they navigate life's challenges with a pickup truck, a loyal dog, and a sense of irony about the larger economic landscape.
VERSE 1:
Well, I lost my job down at the factory,
My truck broke down, life's after me.
And Milton, my hound, he looks so sad,
Since my gal left me, madder than dad.
The news says China’s takin' my pay,
Trade deficit risin' day by day.
But there's somethin' strange 'bout this despair,
'Cause my Medicare card's still sittin' right there.
CHORUS:
That's America's exorbitant privilege, son,
Sellin’ debt, livin' large, ain’t it fun?
Imports cheap like beer at the store,
Foreign cash funds our old folk's floor.
From my Social Security to Medicaid,
Them foreign dollars got our debts paid.
Don't like the trade deficit, I see your point,
But our welfare state's kept by that foreign coin.
VERSE 2:
They say we owe China like I owe rent,
But their surplus dollars gotta get spent.
Stocks and bonds and treasury bills,
Payin' grandma’s hospital pills.
It's a funny thing, guess I must confess,
Our deficit’s payin' for my welfare checks.
Milton's chew toys, my truck’s new tires,
Foreign cash keeps feedin' our desires.
CHORUS:
That's America's exorbitant privilege, friend,
Runnin' deficits we don't intend.
Makin' money outta thin air,
Keepin' grandma comfy in her Medicare.
Yeah, I gripe 'bout factories closin' doors,
But love that cash flow from foreign shores.
Turns out privilege got us by the paw,
Even Milton here gives a thankful 'yee-haw.'
BRIDGE:
You see, trade's a two-step, give and take,
But the dollars we send, they gotta circulate.
What leaves in trade comes back as bonds,
Fundin' your retirement dreams and lawns.
CHORUS (Outro):
That’s America's exorbitant privilege, y’all,
Livin' off deficits big and small.
I know you're angry, got things to blame,
But privilege pays for this American game.
Now my truck runs smooth, my dog's alright,
Breakups still hurt, but I'll sleep tonight.
Thanks foreign cash, don't feel blue,
'Cause America’s privilege keeps carin' for you
Chords not available
Beat not available
Exorbitant Privilege (A Pickup Truck, a Dog, and a Trade Deficit)
VERSE 1: Well, I lost my job down at the factory,
My truck broke down, life's after me.
And Milton, my hound, he looks so sad,
Since my gal left me, madder than dad.
The news says China’s takin' my pay,
Trade deficit risin' day by day.
But there's somethin' strange 'bout this despair,
'Cause my Medicare card's still sittin' right there.
CHORUS:
That's America's exorbitant privilege, son,
Sellin’ debt, livin' large, ain’t it fun?
Imports cheap like beer at the store,
Foreign cash funds our old folk's floor.
From my Social Security to Medicaid,
Them foreign dollars got our debts paid.
Don't like the trade deficit, I see your point,
But our welfare state's kept by that foreign coin.
VERSE 2: They say we owe China like I owe rent,
But their surplus dollars gotta get spent.
Stocks and bonds and treasury bills,
Payin' grandma’s hospital pills.
It's a funny thing, guess I must confess,
Our deficit’s payin' for my welfare checks.
Milton's chew toys, my truck’s new tires,
Foreign cash keeps feedin' our desires.
CHORUS:
That's America's exorbitant privilege, friend,
Runnin' deficits we don't intend.
Makin' money outta thin air,
Keepin' grandma comfy in her Medicare.
Yeah, I gripe 'bout factories closin' doors,
But love that cash flow from foreign shores.
Turns out privilege got us by the paw,
Even Milton here gives a thankful "yee-haw."
BRIDGE:
You see, trade's a two-step, give and take,
But the dollars we send, they gotta circulate.
What leaves in trade comes back as bonds,
Fundin' your retirement dreams and lawns.
CHORUS (Outro):
That’s America's exorbitant privilege, y’all,
Livin' off deficits big and small.
I know you're angry, got things to blame,
But privilege pays for this American game.
Now my truck runs smooth, my dog's alright,
Breakups still hurt, but I'll sleep tonight.
Thanks foreign cash, don't feel blue,
'Cause America’s privilege keeps carin' for you
Taylor Swift