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Catherine Miles & Jay Mafale - SNAKE OIL SALESMAN

from STOMPING ON EGGSHELLS by Chicks With Dip

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about

"Snake Oil Salesman" is a satirical political cartoon in song. Catherine Miles and Jay Mafale woke on November 9, 2016 to find that Donald J. Trump had been elected the 45th President of the United States. People said things like, "He'll rise to the office," and "He'll surround himself with experienced advisors." Catherine and Jay, however, thought differently. "Folks in the New York area have decades of experience with this man. We know what he is. He's in it for the money, for the power, and for the branding boost." Trump is certainly not the first con man to hold public office in this country, but he has proven to be the most dangerous.

lyrics

SNAKE OIL SALESMAN
I roll into your town with a flourish and fanfare
In my sharp suit, run my hand through my well-coiffed hair
Flashing my pearly whites, taking my time,
As I get a good feel for the crowd

I’ve got snake oil and sugar pills, powders and potions
I’ve slapped fancy labels on generic hand lotions
Yet, shiny gold cases display all my wares
Well, it’s really cheap spray paint, they can’t tell so who cares

I’ve got a soap box, I will put on a show
I know the people, my people, will gather ‘round
I will tell them what they want to hear
Confirm all their fearso they will stay, I know they’ll stay and throw their money down

They buy my snake oil and sugar pills
My sales pitch will give them chills
I’ll take their dough and watch them choke
‘Cause when I’m gone they’ll still be broke

It’s a skill I have honed, years of patience and practice
I can read them, I’m an artist of artifice
Gaining their confidence, gauging their weakness
I convince them, only I have the cure

I will put up some mirrors and make me some smoke
A little dazzle for the desperate congregation
Then I shake my fist, use my fame,
Give them someone else to blame
Praise the Lord, I’m the king of manipulation

They buy my snake oil and sugar pills
My sales pitch will give them chills
I’ll take their dough and watch them choke
‘Cause when I’m gone they’ll still be broke

They buy my snake oil and sugar pills
My sales pitch even gives me chills!
I’ll take their dough, what a joke
I am the only one who will not be broke!

Let me take that off yours hands…

credits

from STOMPING ON EGGSHELLS, released October 15, 2020
Catherine Miles: vocals
Jay Mafale: guitars, vocals
Eric Puente: drums
Jason Rafalak: upright bass
Paul Silverman: accordion

Produced by Catherine Miles and Jay Mafale
Mixed by Phil Henry
Recorded by Jay Mafale @ The Wind-Up Shop
Add'l Recording by Eric Puente and Jason Rafalak

license

all rights reserved

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about

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CHICKS WITH DIP New York, New York

Chicks With Dip is an informal collective of female singer/songwriters who enjoy mutual respect, enjoy each other's company, and the pleasure of good conversation, good songs, and good dip. The Chicks have been meeting for over a decade.

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