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…
Read MoreAuthor: mattrousu
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 –…
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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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All About the Green (The Wedding Singer)
What does it take to be successful? That’s the discussion that Glen and Robbie are having about their futures. They discuss many topics and events happening in 1985, when the…
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Welcome to Nowhere (The Band’s Visit)
When a band in arrives in the wrong Israeli city (fictional Bet Hatikva, with a “B” instead of real Petah Tikva, with a “P”), they soon discover the differences between…
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Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher (Billy Elliot)
Through the entire 1980’s, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister in the United Kingdom (from 1979 to 1990 to be exact) and Conservative Party leader from 1975-1990. During her tenure…
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