ABSTRACT
It is difficult to imagine a more stinging indictment of the unethical, impersonal, materialistic practices of many of America's corporate managers than Ray Stevens' statements in “Mr. Businessman” (1968). The goals identified in Stevens' song are without lasting value—bigger cars, bigger houses, term insurance for the spouses—and the personal sacrifices are staggering—ignoring the children growing up and missing the music of their laughter as they play. Many other popular songs challenge the morality of business leaders. Among these recordings are Bob Dylan's “Masters of War” (n.d.) and “Only a Pawn in Their Game” (n.d.). Other tunes criticize the harshness of personnel managers—“9 to 5” (1980) and “Take This Job and Shove It” (1977)—and the failure of middle managers or foremen to acknowledge the humanity of their workers—“Sunshine” (1971), “Big Boss Man” (1961), and “Workin' for the Man” (1962). But none of these songs can match the intensity, hostility and sense of ethical depravity voiced in “Mr. Businessman.”
