No. 03 · The Presidents
Thomas Jefferson
1801-1809
During the Napoleonic Wars, both Britain and France regularly seized American ships bound for the other's ports in hopes of hindering the other's economic success. So, in December of 1807, Jefferson signed The Embargo Act, banning all foreign trade in hopes that Britain and France would be so utterly wounded by the loss they would be forced to accept U.S. neutrality on the seas. This did not happen. And forced to rely only on domestic goods, U.S. prices skyrocketed, crippling the economy.
Lyrics
Capo 4 · Em, D/F♯, G, C
At one time, I declared independence
But now we're here, I feel so all alone
I believe in Adam Smitty's freedom
But when it's up to you…
Oh napoleon, your war makes me afraid
The Embargo Act I'll sign and ban all trade
Hoping for surrender
Hoping to force a dance between Britain and France
But this didn't happen, and without trade
Forced to rely on only what we made
Prices hit the roof as the economy caved
At least I've got my dark chocolate babe
From the book, published 2009 · song & page updated
Ban all trade