No. 26 · The Presidents
Theodore Roosevelt
1901-1909
Roosevelt's “Square Deal,” a term he coined for his domestic programs, aimed at finding a balance between the benefits and the harm created by corporate greed. Soon dubbed the “trust-buster,” Roosevelt decided to break up and initiate regulations against 44 corporations during his presidency. This was not necessarily because of their size, but rather on the basis of what he felt was a “good” or “bad” company. Many believe that this subjective federal interference led to the Panic of 1907, which brought on the collapse of a dozen additional banks and some railroads.
Lyrics
Em, G
You've got a trust
I'm gonna bust
You can trust me to do the right thing
Let's make a square deal
'cause it's not a fair deal
It's how do I feel at the time
That decides your fate
Don't worry
I'll find the balance
'tween good and greed
I'll set this country straight
Speak softly and carry a big stick
You can take around and beat company's with
That you don't like
And really?
Mount Rushmore?
Is it 'cause you need 4?
'cause I got some war criminals
willing to pose
They call me the teddy bear
Not because I'm nice
But because of my size
You best believe that I bite
And today's the day the teddy bear's have their picnic.
From the book, published 2009 · song & page updated
A trust I'm gonna bust