There are any number of pernicious economic lies, but perhaps the greatest one is “it’s ok for me to be a multi-billionaire because it all trickles down through the people I employ and the purchases I make.” Really? Like when someone buys, oh, let’s say a bottle of whisky for upwards of £2million, how does that money then trickle down? No – it passes as a trophy possession from one very rich person to another very rich person – ok, the delivery guy and the auction house/broker take a tiny cut…but the person way, way, way down the chain, without a job, maybe homeless, how exactly do they benefit?
And this, friends, is the story of today’s song where The Chapin Sisters make a really powerful, forceful argument that trickle-down is just a pack of lies: “If all the work gets done in the valley, why does all the money rain down on the mountain top? When the money trickles down to the people in the valley, why is it just a little drop?” The song, by the way, was written by Don White.
The Chapin Sisters have recorded and issued it in something of a hurry; you wouldn’t realise that from the quality of the recording, because they feel it is somewhat important and timely. Here’s what they say about it: “Our new single, One Little Drop, is a modern-day protest song. Originally by Don White, with lyrics that are both hard-hitting and hopeful, a catchy hook that is fun to sing along to, and a message about solidarity and the power of the people. It immediately struck us as a modern classic because it so encapsulates our current cultural condition. Recorded in our home studio in the woods, it is one of a set of antifascist songs sprinkled through our forthcoming album (due out in early 2027), amidst more personal themes. Resistance to encroaching fascism is a slow and steady marathon, and hope requires reminders that each little drop makes a difference. One Little Drop is a mantra that can help us remember resilience requires patience, and the small pieces can create something larger; each one of us has a part to play in creating the world we all deserve. Released on October 9th, the single was engineered by Seth Thomas (Lily’s husband), with Jesse Lee (Abigail’s husband) on drums and Abigail’s father-in-law, Hal Lee, on bass. Other songs on the album include guest appearances by our dad, Tom Chapin, Benmont Tench, and others. Look for the rest of the album in early 2027.”
