Randy Newman’s “Good Old Boys,” his controversial 1974 concept album sung from the viewpoint of a Southern everyman named Johnny Cutler, was put together over many months and included a couple of songs that preceded the project. This one, though, was a late addition to the LP, which was released when the first Arab oil embargo caused soaring inflation, long lines at gas stations and — this is all too normal under Republican administrations like Nixon’s — a recession.
If you don’t think history rhymes, consider these lines:
We’ve taken all you’ve given
It’s gettin’ hard to make a livin’
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
We ain’t asking you to love us
You may place yourself high above us
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
…
Maybe you’re cheatin’
Maybe you’re lyin’
Maybe you have lost your mind
Maybe you only think about yourself
Too late to run, too late to cry now
The time has come for us to say good-bye now
Mr. President, have pity on the working man
