Bev Grant
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America’s Dirty Little Secret by Bev Grant
She lives in a trailer at the edge of town .
She can barely pay the rent since her job shut down
A single mother of 5, two teenage sons still living at home
She says “Three meals can take a back seat, once I pay the rent, the lights, the phone
She used to work full time, but got sick and took time off
When it was time to go back in, there wasn’t work enough
She’s working part time and the bills pour down like rain
Rice and gravy on the table tonight. Tomorrow there’ll be more of the same.
She’s America’s dirty little secret. One of many who’ve crossed the line
From middle class to poverty and standing on the soup kitchen line.
America’s dirty little secret. Widening the gap between rich and poor
While the president stands against her, says she’s must try harder, he’s making plans to give his rich friends more.
Back in the 30’s FDR said this country must feed its poor
Congress stood up for the needs of the hungry and designed plans to give them more
Forty years later, now it’s which side are you on?
Tax cuts for the wealthy leave less for the programs so many rely upon
He worked in a textile plant ‘til it left the state
No one told him ‘bout the cost to have free trade
Empty promises washed down with a cold beer
His job went cross the border. He’s unemployed right here
Like so many families, they rode the edge ‘til his job got cut
Paycheck to paycheck leaves no room when you’re out of luck
He’s looking for work each day, while in the library his family stays
Sleeping at the mission tonight, praying for better days.
They’re America’s dirty little secret. One of many who’ve crossed the line
From middle class to poverty, standing on the soup kitchen line
America’s dirty little secret, widening the gap between rich and poor
While the president stands against them, tries to keep them hidden, he’s making plans to give his rich friends more.
© 2003 Bev Grant
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