The Industrial Revolution (And How It Ruined My Life)

Once, long ago there was a time in what now seems a distant land

Each small boutique was precious and unique

'Cause every little thing was made by hand

Then there came a revolution

The progress of production was its aim

Now instead of one, there were many

And each costs just a penny

But every single one looks just the same

Now there's a Starbucks on every bloody corner

McDonald's on everybody's street

There's a White Castle, Wendy's and Walmart

And then it all repeats

If you're the kind that looks down on the masses

Even for you there's a feint

Get some New Rocks or a pair of Docs

Look just like those who ain't

And that is how (Tell us how)

It came to be (How can it be?)

After two long centuries

That in the name (What's in a name?)

Of human greed

The industrial revolution fixed everything for me

(Everyone) (For every bloody one)

It came into our lives and gave us uniformity by taking choice away from you (and me)

(By taking choice away from you. Taking choice away from me. Taking choice away from you and me)

And so now if one does will with a business

They open two more and then three

They buy in bulk in big massive hulks

At which points it's nearly free

As they grow bigger their prices get lower

Until they become a chain

The smaller stores all shut their doors and buckle 'neath the strain

And that is how (Tell us how)

It came to be (How can it be?)

After two long centuries

That in the name (What's in a name?)

Of human greed

The industrial revolution fixed everything for me

(Everyone) (For every bloody one)

It came into our lives and gave us uniformity by taking choice away from you (and me)

(By taking choice away from you. Taking choice away from me. Taking choice away from you and me)

Now the machines are working tirelessly

Through all night and day

Making garbage in our image

For a world that's made our way

And they won't stop until every inch

From Peru to Bombay

Looks like a mall in the US of A