No. 40 · The Presidents
Ronald Reagan
1981-1989
Despite a public campaign promise to never negotiate with terrorists, secretly, President Reagan agreed to sell arms to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages. The Iranians then learned that securing new American hostages proved to be the best way to gain sophisticated weaponry. So, what ended up being a hostage trade – because after the release of these American hostages, Iran simply kidnapped new ones – Iranian contra forces received more than 2,000 anti-tank guided missiles.
Lyrics
Capo 2 · C, G, D/F♯, Em
if I told you
that I would give you
some guns
if you give me back the hostages
what do you think
the best way to get more weapons would be?
It's a hostage trade.
We'll give 'em right back.
Then we'll take some more.
For some guns that attack
Oh, maybe we didn't think this through
I won't negotiate with terrorists
at least in public
Should have kept your public promise Reagan.
Not just because it's right, but because you're not real good at it.
From the book, published 2009 · song & page updated
It's a hostage trade