The Economy. Can You Afford to Die?

By Annette Beach

A few weeks ago, I heard a song on the radio and I can’t stop thinking about it. Listening to the lyrics, I assumed the song was fairly new because it referred to Wall Street, big shots losing money and bailouts. My initial reaction was that someone wrote a song about the economy in an effort to get a quick release.

But then I heard this line, which touched a nerve: “… and he can’t afford to die …”

Days later, I recognized the song (John Rich’s “Shuttin’ Down Detroit”) and this time I listened carefully to all of the words. When I heard that line again, I had the same reaction as before. My first thought was how true this song is; my second thought was sadness. The words describe someone who has spent his lifetime working and now his pension has been cut in half “and he can’t afford to die.”

We all know people who have been affected by the recent turn in the economy and we all have personal opinions about our government, banks and who’s to blame. But what about those who can’t afford to die? What about the hard-working, responsible people who are literally losing their savings? The song refers to farmers, factory workers and those with calloused hands; in other words, the backbone of America!

I’ve heard the song several times now and I do not believe it was written for a quick release. I think John Rich was/is (as it states in the song) “fightin’ mad.” 

Does it make you mad? Fightin’ mad? Has your life changed because of the economy? Do you anticipate a change if things do not turn around soon?

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? Do you like it or is it annoying? What does it relate to?