Thank you for directing my attention to the meaning of “handouts” in “No more handouts! Cut them off!” I thought they were pieces of paper to be given to people in a meeting, for instance.
And also to the difference between “buck” and “buckS” by capitalizing the “S.” I now know the difference. Thank you.
Can I ask you a question about a part that is not covered in your newsletter?
I watched the video and the last part goes like this:
Thank you for your comments and questions. I'll try to answer them, but please let me know if anything is not clear. And, of course, all readers are welcome to chime in with comments and alternative explanations!
The line "and we mean business" has two meanings: 1) we are serious and 2) we are talking about businesses (corporations). In other words, we are serious about ending free handouts to big business.
The line "and this means stadiums" refers to the many stadiums that are built by corporations. Football, baseball, hockey, and basketball stadiums have been built around the U.S. I think the song is raising the question, why is the government giving these corporations funding when these companies can afford to build sports stadiums? Feeney is saying that it's time to stop the handouts to companies that really don't need them.
Does this help?
Thank you for reading and for your continued support of Social issues in Song!
Dear Louise,
Thank you for directing my attention to the meaning of “handouts” in “No more handouts! Cut them off!” I thought they were pieces of paper to be given to people in a meeting, for instance.
And also to the difference between “buck” and “buckS” by capitalizing the “S.” I now know the difference. Thank you.
Can I ask you a question about a part that is not covered in your newsletter?
I watched the video and the last part goes like this:
4:06 No more handouts, cut them off
4:08 And we mean business
4:10 No more handouts, cut them off
4:12 And this means stadiums.
4:14 No more handouts, cut them off
What does “And this means stadium?”
Mitsuru Hiki
Hi Mitsuru,
Thank you for your comments and questions. I'll try to answer them, but please let me know if anything is not clear. And, of course, all readers are welcome to chime in with comments and alternative explanations!
The line "and we mean business" has two meanings: 1) we are serious and 2) we are talking about businesses (corporations). In other words, we are serious about ending free handouts to big business.
The line "and this means stadiums" refers to the many stadiums that are built by corporations. Football, baseball, hockey, and basketball stadiums have been built around the U.S. I think the song is raising the question, why is the government giving these corporations funding when these companies can afford to build sports stadiums? Feeney is saying that it's time to stop the handouts to companies that really don't need them.
Does this help?
Thank you for reading and for your continued support of Social issues in Song!
Louise, thank you for your explanation about "And this means stadiums." Mitsuru