[Verse 1]
We had a shelf — not luxury, just a quiet kind of comfort,
And if there wasn’t enough, the neighbors shared without a fuss or force.
The catalog held no brands, just a list of simple, honest things,
And a note on the shelf: “Take it if you need, don’t stand and wait.”
I got in line, but no one shoved, no anger in the air,
An old man nearby whispered: “It’ll come, don’t lose your calm, I swear.”
He handed me a ticket, a stamp, and simple words of care:
“No seaside spots today, but we’ve got lunch to share right here.”
[Chorus]
Under socialism, all was shared, it wasn’t just a slogan on a wall,
Kindness wasn’t counted like a debt or added to some ledger at all.
Under capitalism, everything’s on show, bright lights and glossy display,
But people treat each other like strangers, like prey on a narrow way.
That’s how we live now: we used to split a piece among us, every crumb was fair,
Now we count the percentages, and conscience wears thin in the cold air.
[Verse 2]
They asked me, “Where did you work?” I said, “We pulled as one, no whining, no blame,
We did what had to be done, not for bonuses, but to keep the flame.”
The boss just nodded, cold and sharp: “This is the new century’s game,
Here are the KPIs, let’s measure success in numbers, not in name.”
They set the goal: “Outsell, outpace, don’t ever stop or slow,”
And fill twelve fields in the system, no matter the cost, no matter the toll.
The union said, “Hold on, my friend, but the plan’s on fire, you see,
No time for tea, no time to breathe — run and get back to the machine.”
But back then, the foreman looked you straight in the eye, no hidden scheme,
Said, “You’re tired? Rest a while. We’ll finish it together, take it slow and clean.”
[Chorus]
Under socialism, all was shared — no grand speech, just the way we lived,
Even in the longest line, there was patience, there was trust, there was give.
Under capitalism, everything’s in the catalog, shining and so neat,
But every person’s a predator now, watching each other’s feet.
That’s how we live now: we once believed we were one family, no doubt,
Now we stare at the screen and calculate how much “I” is worth, all about.
[Verse 3]
There was a plan for the quarter, but not for trophies or a flashy prize,
Just so every home would stay warm, with peace inside and no surprise.
Back then I’d hunt for sausage through every yard and every store,
And if it wasn’t there, someone shared — it wasn’t heroics, just how we were before.
Now I scroll through a hundred offers, each discount like a snare,
Trust is scarce, a rare old thing, almost a legend in the air.
I stand at the register, reading the screen with a hollow stare:
“Discount with the card,” they say, but the card’s another trap, I swear.
My neighbor says, “We used to stand like a wall, no one left behind,
Now even a glance from a stranger feels like a warning sign: don’t get too close, don’t cross the line.”
[Bridge]
Don’t be angry, just remember how it felt when “we” meant more than “me,”
How the word “ours” wasn’t split into margins, interest rates, or fee.
We kept the good china for Sundays not because we hoarded it away,
But because it held the memory of days when we could look each other in the eye and stay.
What I really want is someone to say, “I’ve got your back, don’t worry, stay,”
Not “I’ll log it, measure it, rate it, and send you a report today.”
[Chorus]
Under socialism, all was shared, and hands reached out before the words,
Before the numbers told us who was worthy, who deserved, who earned rewards.
Under capitalism, everything’s for sale, every dream has a price tag clear,
And the heart’s grown sharp and cold, like a wire under current, always near.
That’s how we live now: we knew we’d face it all together, side by side,
Now we’re scared to smile, afraid they’ll think it’s weakness, something to hide.
[Outro]
Let’s sit by the fire, pour some hot tea, and lay the old catalog down,
Empty shelf or full, it doesn’t matter if we’re still around.
A bare shelf’s no tragedy if someone beside you says, “It’s okay, we’ll find a way,”
Not “Let me check the price, the discount, the terms and the fine print today.”
Honestly, I just want a moment where it’s not “me and my budget’s weight,”
But “us and our home, and our light, and the warmth we can make.”
