Madman Across the Hudson

While Congress debated the Wall Street bailout plan, Elton John's Madman Across the Water played on my car radio. It took no effort to draw a connection between the song and America's leaders, business and political. I rewrote the lyrics in that light:

Madman Across the Hudson

I can see very well
There's a bank on Wall Street with a broken back
And I can see investment hell
There's a loan and I know its very bad
It's one of those that I sold you long ago
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know

Once a fool had a good job in the day
If it's so would I still be here to prey
It's quite peculiar in a funny sort of way
They think it's very funny everything I say
Get a load of him, he's so insane
You better build your moat dear
It looks like rain

Late payment’s due next Thursday afternoon
The bankers hope they'll see you very soon
But is it in your nightmare that you run from
Another glimpse of the madman across the Hudson

I can see very well
There's a bank on Wall Street with a broken back
And I can see credit hell
There's a loan and I know its very bad
It's one of those that I sold you long ago
Take my word I'm a madman don't you know

The ground's a long way down but I need more
Is 1929 back
Are those widows begging
Will the economy run again next week
Can my mind really take it

Late payment’s due next Thursday afternoon
The bankers hope they'll see you very soon
But is it in your nightmare that you run from
Another glimpse of the madman across the Hudson