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Bureaucratic Talking Shutdown Blues (2020)

by Chuck Parker

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about

Getting a little topical here, even though I wrote the original version of this one two years ago. As a public servant, this business just keeps coming up.

It's not a perfect recording, though I'd rather it be relevant to current events rather than perfect. :-)

Pay what you want, but if I get furloughed, any pocket change would be nice!

-chuck

lyrics

another couple of weeks have passed
another continuing resolution running out of gas
and the legislature's wrapped up in something else

as non-essential bureaucrats
we once again are served the shaft
left to wonder if we'll be working come next week

I don't care much about these memos
just more posturing amongst these fellows
in their expensive suits and power ties

It's tough to keep my projects moving
with budgets tied up in politicians' proving
which of their sides has the gods' approval

It’s the Bureaucratic Talking Shutdown Blues
All I can do is sit and watch the news
They talk of walls and steel slats
And I worry if I can feed my cat
I work so hard, but all I get’s the screws

I plug on with the people's business
watch the news and management's empty missives
and prepare for another disorderly shutdown

I sit planning meetings and stage responses
try to adjust deadlines to suit this nonsense
wait for guidance and take home my office plants

I'm a pawn in a game of legislative conceits
of back room deals and late night tweets
but at least my health care coverage won't lapse

I put off fixing the broken taps
pad the accounts to absorb the pay lapse
hoping that this all won't go too long

It’s the Bureaucratic Talking Shutdown Blues
All I can do is sit and watch the news
They stimulus and defense bills
And wonder if I can pay for my pills
I work so hard, but all I get’s the screws

it's sad to say I'm used to this
this is far from my first shift
a public servant's work is never done


It’s the Bureaucratic Talking Shutdown Blues
All I can do is sit and watch the news
They stimulus and defense bills
And wonder if I can pay for my pills
I work so hard, but all I get’s the screws

credits

released December 16, 2020
written, performed, recorded, mixed, and agonized over by Chuck

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Chuck Parker Virginia

A performer for more than 35 years, Chuck has filled many musical roles: heavy metal guitarist, singer/songwriter, jazz sideman, open mic host, filk circle regular, and World’s Okayest Bassist™.

A regular on the con circuit, find him at open mics and backing up the Blibbering Humdingers! ... more

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