Story Behind The Song

The impact of losing a job from downsizing or other factors beyond a worker's control sinks in only when one realizes that such an action can affect anybody. When your neighbor loses his job,it is recession; when you lose yours, it's the Great Depression.

Song Description

A man who has lost his job for no fault of his own is depressed and sits at home in anger and frustration, trying to cope with his loss.

Lyrics

Downsized Blues
By Charlie Crow

Well, he forgot to shave today
Third day in a row
Two more beers last night got in the way--
He should be on the job
That's how the boy was raised
But there's something wrong
And he don't know what to say

Chorus: Them Downsized Blues
Got him confused--
Things looked good
But he just got used
Did his best, but they still threw him away
You say things are better?
Well, he can't tell--
His world collapsed and went to hell--
No upside in his downsized world today

Well, it's hard to sit at home
Waitin' for that phone to ring--
The unemployment check's his weekly high
He's run his string again
Oughta be a job for him--
But they want 'em young
And he's overqualified

Chorus: Them Downsized Blues
Got him confused--
Somehow somethin' blew a fuse
Not his fault, he was only in the way
The market's up--
Good times are back
Just thin out all that extra slack--
No upside in his downsized world today

Lift: Well, it's the patriotic way
To earn your daily pay
Have no doubt, no welfare handouts for this workin' man
But it's different when you know
It was you who had to go--
And life goes on, from dusk to dawn
Without you just the same...

Chorus: Them Downsized Blues
Got him confused--
His family is not amused
Watchin' Dr. Phil and Oprah every day
When your neighbor goes, it's called recession
But if it's you, it's the Great Depression
In his prime but they won't let him play--(no!)--

Ain't no upside in his downsized world today

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