Story Behind The Song
I have long been influenced by John Lennon. Working CLass Hero is one of my favorite songs he wrote. I tried to take that sarcastic outlook at the world and imagine what Lennon's interpretation of the world today would be. I guess you could say White Collar Criminal is a 35 year update to Working Class Hero thru JL's eyes.
Song Description
We are so sick of all the criminals who have ripped us off. The Lehman Brothers investment backer that stole over $100 mil in senios life savings; Enron, Halliburton, OJ beating the rap; Catholic Priests doing children; CHurches paying millions in hush money; the slaps on the wrists (at worst) that celebrities and politicians get no matter what crimes they commit. It always comes at the expense of a have-not who's been bilked for their cash used as a human shield in a shit fight by some politician or corporate official. This song calls the white ollar criminals out, by name. Ultimately the common man surrenders becasue he knows he'll never beat the system... only by death can he escape their advantage.
Song Length |
3:55 |
Genre |
Rock - Alternative, Country - Rock |
Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Mood |
Annoyed, Fuming |
Subject |
Crime, Theft, Disgust |
Similar Artists |
John Lennon, Elvis Costello |
Language |
English |
Era |
1970 - 1979 |
| |
Lyrics
V-1)
FROM THE DAY YOU WERE BORN- YOU WERE PART OF THE SCHEME
THEY STRUNG UP A CARROT ? AND CALLED IT ?THE DREAM?
HOW QUICKLY YOU FOUND OUT - THERE'S A LOT YOU CAN'T SEE
Chorus:
AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - IS SOMETHING TO BE
YEAH, AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - TAKE THE CASH AND GO FREE
V-2)
THEY TEST YOUR IQ- THEN THEY GROUP YOU IN SCHOOL
YOU?RE EITHER A GENIUS ? OR YOU?RE A SLOW-LEARNING FOOL
AND THAT?s WHEN YOU FIND OUT- THAT THERE?S TWO SETS OF RULES
Chorus:
AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - IS SOMETHING TO BE
YEAH, AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - THEY CAN KILL AND GO FREE
AND IF YOU DON?T BELIEVE IT ? WELL, JUST TURN ON YOUR TV
Bridge:
YOU?LL SEE HALLIBURTON - ENRON - THE SICK CATHOLIC PRIESTS
THE BUSHES - THE CHENEYS - OUR POLITICAL ELITE
MARTHA, O J, AND JACKO MAKE THREE
INTO THE SUNSET THEY RIDE AND GO FREE
V-3)
YOU AND I ? WE WORK ALL OUR LIVES - AND WHAT DO WE GET
MAYBE A ROOM WITH A WINDOW - AND A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE - IT?S ALL ABOUT GREED
Chorus:
AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - IS SOMETHING TO BE
YEAH, AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - TAKE THE CASH AND GO FREE
Chorus:
AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - IS SOMETHING TO BE
YEAH, AND A WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL - THEY CAN KILL AND GO FREE
AND US WORKING CLASS HEROES ? WELL, WE MIUST DIE TO BE FREE
WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL
WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL
IS SOMETHING TO BE
YEAH IT?S SOMETHING TO BE (Fade)