"Business" lyrics - PETE SEEGER

PETE SEEGER
"Business"

Two million bushels of North African grain
Resold to Germany for Swiss francs,
Paid for by a consortium of banks
With a deal in futures that the Stock Exchange
Unloads for coffee from Brazilian uplands
Destined for Paris, Before the whole deal sinks,
The checks written in indelible inks
Outrace Atlantic's winter hurricanes.

At last the coffee arrives, also the wheat,
Needless to say, the deal was a success.
Who can deny that all of us have gained?
Our benefactors? Three trusts. They compete
For honor, glory, power and of course,
Profits, where all happiness is contained.