Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Made in China
Roger McGuinn Lyrics
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They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
We open our doors for trade, while they're starving the lonely babies
We buy goods made by slaves, while they're starving the lonely babies
So we lose our jobs if the election's lost
And we shake their hands no matter what the cost
They tell us freedom's coming, but they hide behind high walls
It's buried on the inside page, while they're starving the lonely babies
To hold down the people's rage, while they're starving the lonely babies
It's a politician's game, while they're starving the lonely babies
And it's an insane shame, while they're starving the lonely babies
So we lose our jobs if the election's lost
And we shake their hands no matter what the cost
They tell us freedom's coming, but they hide behind high walls
And meet in secret halls
In the darkened dying room, where they're starving the lonely babies
There's genocide and doom, where they're starving the lonely babies
Just because they have the bomb, will you let them kill the babies,
The judgment time has come, while they're starving the lonely babies
So we lose our jobs if the election's lost
And we shake their hands no matter what the cost
They tell us freedom's coming, but they hide behind high walls
And meet in secret halls
They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
The song "Made in China" by Roger McGuinn is a commentary on the exploitative practices of global trade, particularly with regard to manufacturing and labor in developing countries such as China. The lyrics touch on themes of inequality, hidden agendas, politics, and human rights violations. The repetition of the phrase "while they're starving the lonely babies" serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of such practices.
The opening lines speak to the fact that while there is concern for the protection of intellectual property, there seems to be little concern for the well-being of those who are actually involved in the manufacturing process. The song suggests that the desire for cheap goods, coupled with a lack of oversight, has led to exploitation and suffering for those who are already vulnerable.
The chorus is a call to action, urging listeners to be aware of the impact of global trade and to prioritize the needs of those who are most affected. The lines "we lose our jobs if the election's lost" and "they tell us freedom's coming, but they hide behind high walls" suggest that there may be ulterior motives at play in these trade arrangements, and that the true cost of such practices may be hidden from public view.
Overall, "Made in China" is a powerful statement on the importance of ethical and fair global trade practices, and serves as a reminder of the human cost of unchecked consumerism.
Line by Line Meaning
They won't bootleg this, while they're starving the lonely babies
The powerful won't copy this music, while they're content to ignore the suffering of impoverished children.
We open our doors for trade, while they're starving the lonely babies
We welcome trade with nations that exploit child labor and food insecurity.
We buy goods made by slaves, while they're starving the lonely babies
We purchase products that are produced by those in captivity, while ignoring the plight of the hungry and vulnerable.
So we lose our jobs if the election's lost
Our livelihoods are at stake based on the outcome of an election.
And we shake their hands no matter what the cost
We are willing to associate with people we may not fully agree with, regardless of the consequences.
They tell us freedom's coming, but they hide behind high walls
Leaders promise us progress, but they also try to conceal or ignore the difficulties of those who suffer.
It's buried on the inside page, while they're starving the lonely babies
Important news about those who need help and support is often placed in less visible areas of media.
To hold down the people's rage, while they're starving the lonely babies
People's anger is suppressed, while the vulnerable are left to suffer.
It's a politician's game, while they're starving the lonely babies
Politicians use the suffering of the helpless as a way of achieving their own goals.
And it's an insane shame, while they're starving the lonely babies
It's utterly disgraceful that people are allowed to be hungry and alone in a world that appears to have many resources.
In the darkened dying room, where they're starving the lonely babies
In rooms where people are dying of hunger and lack of support, the lights are kept low.
There's genocide and doom, where they're starving the lonely babies
The situation for those who suffer is extremely dire, and many are in danger of perishing.
Just because they have the bomb, will you let them kill the babies,
People who have weapons might use them against helpless children if we don't intervene.
The judgment time has come, while they're starving the lonely babies
It's time to stop ignoring the plight of those who are impoverished and alone in the world.
Contributed by Tristan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.