Something for Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW)
Something for Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW) Some of the most successful entrepreneurs create new markets where one did not exist before. In Something for Nothin’, we hear about this in a…
Read MoreAuthor: mattrousu
Franklin Shepard, Inc. (Merrily We Roll Along)
“Franklin Shepard, Inc.” illustrates the economic tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. The song highlights the opportunity cost of creative pursuits – Charley values artistic fulfillment, while Frank prioritizes…
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New Money (The Great Gatsby)
“New Money” From The Great Gatsby examines the economic divide between wealth derived from hard work and that inherited from old money. In this song, the characters reflect on social…
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Make a Wish (Kimberly Akimbo)
Kimberly sings about what she would want with her three wishes. These three things give her what economists call utility, which is a measurement of satisfaction. Sometimes, the things that…
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Hey Big Spender (Sweet Charity)
The dancers try to entice the “big spender”. This song is a good introduction to a lesson on rent seeking. The “big spender” could provide a big payoff – and…
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It Sucks to Be Me (Avenue Q)
The humans and monsters who live on Avenue Q sing about their lives, and in it there are a lessons on unemployment, the economics of beauty, immigration, and more!
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Holding out for a Hero (Footloose the Musical)
The singer is “holding out for a hero”. There are other men available, but she wants one who has specific traits (strong, fresh from the fight, etc.). Having another boyfriend/partner…
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No Friends (Almost Famous the Musical)
William is being paid to follow the band Stillwater on tour. He thinks they are great, but he is cautioned by Rolling Stone not to make friends with the band….
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Santa Fe (Newsies)
Jack sings of the clean air in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Clean air, among many other things not mentioned in the clip, is considered a public good – this website…
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I Want the Good Times Back (The Little Mermaid)
Ursella is trying to decide how she is to reclaim ownership of the sea from her brother. In order to develop a plan, she thinks like an economist, using backward…
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