Standard "Just Like My Dad" motif. About the economic shafting of the American worker. New twist: white collar (i.e. "office worker" in North-American vernacular). Will need good songwriter to elicit sympathy, white-collars aren't liked in Folk/Country.
First verse:
Kid growing up, Mom loved Dad, Dad loved Mom. He works hard in the mill, knew when to have a beer, life was sheltered. Mill packs up to south of the border. Dad starts to slide, odd jobs in fast food and retail, even if he keeps a stiff upper lip.
Chorus:
But you know you won't be like that. You won't be powerless, you will take care of your family, you'll be smart so you won't make six bucka an hour, you won't be just like dad.
Second verse:
Family starts to make do with hand-me-downs, Mom seems to have been here before from her past. Dad's sliding, drinking with his equally jobless buddies. Kid sees the waste, decides he will get out, busts his ass in school and odd jobs and volunteering, eventhough everyone tells him to take it easy and he ain't better than them.
Chorus.
Bridge:
With no money out of high-school he joins the marines for the school loan. Pounds the deserts and the sand the first time round, but really kills himself over the books when he gets to college back home. Learns the computers, gets himself an entry job. He's getting out of this place. Last he heard Mom's got a job greeting at Wal-Mart for five bucks an hour, Dad's lost.
Third verse:
He starts a little family, he pays for a small house. He lives within his means, he drives an old car, he hates traffic. He keeps working to get promoted, he studies a bit more. One day boss tells him his job's going to India, his replacement's coming over for two months of training by him, no use in getting angry, cause that is the score.
Chorus. Repeat. Work in line in third chorus repeat that a new Wal-Mart just opened, may need greeters. Fade.
