Music for the big bill

​By Jess Santacroce
Music Writer, 955 The Heat, Phoenix Radio

On July 4, 2025, Donald Trump proudly signed a bill he refers to as his “big beautiful bill” into law. A few small portions of the bill, such as ending the taxing of tips and an increased tax credit for Americans aged 65 and older, may bring some small benefits to those who struggle financially, but the legislation almost exclusively benefits the wealthiest citizens of our country, and puts in place policies that will offset any benefits any lower income people may receive.  We may “all” get tax breaks, but the top 1% will see a reduction of around $60,000, while the bottom 60% will see a tax cut of less than $500. Resources many low-income people, including many working people, depend on will also see drastic cuts, namely Medicaid, student loan forgiveness and management, and SNAP. According to a Congressional Budget Office report released on June 12, lower income Americans can expect to see their resources decrease by about $1,600 per year. The stress those who struggle with limited financial resources already experience is about to get worse, and this is just the direct impact on taxes. Policies will also make prices go up, alter the economy through extreme immigration laws, and instill a spirit of fear as more and more emphasis is placed on surveillance and punishment of political detractors. 

 Some stress is normal, expected, and even healthy. It can motivate us to necessary action. Too much stress, such as that brought on by Trump’s bill, can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure and cortisol production, the end result of which could be a development of or worsening of some of the health issues so many people will no longer be able to afford to treat, namely hypertension, anxiety and depression. 

While simply listening to music is not going to make this bill or the consequences of it go away, music can help cope with the stress many of us are going to experience. There are countless songs that specifically address the types of struggles people are already beginning to experience.  Five of those songs seem especially appropriate right now. 

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such times and Live: Blind Alfred Reed:1929

Some sources of information incorrectly list this as an original Bruce Springsteen song, but “How can a poor man stand such times and live” was written decades before Springsteen was even born. It was written by Blind Alfred Reed in 1929. The confusion is due to the fact that Springsteen did write an updated, alternative version to the song in the early 2000’s in response to then-President George W. Bush’s handling of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Like many at the time, Springsteen felt Bush was out of touch with the real devastation, and was instead over-focused on his own memories of partying there as a college student. 

Despite being nearly a century old, the original lyrics are more timely today, as they speak of grocery prices and education in addition to the references to healthcare that Springsteen left in his rewritten version. 

Fast Car: Tracy Chapman: 1988

The lyrics of “Fast Car” start with the story of a couple who faces hard times, but has found a way to cope, to stay connected to each other and have hope. By the end of the song, it’s revealed that the story ends with one character being abandoned by the other. Once the economic crisis ends, the leftover stress takes its toll and the relationship falls apart. 

Perhaps this one isn’t the most hopeful song, but one of the best ways music helps during times of crisis is by providing a story or message we can relate to. “Fast Car” fills that need, as anyone impacted by this new legislation will likely wish they could just flee the whole situation, while at the same time, holding onto the hope that things will get better in a few years. Sadly, just like in the song, many of us will be dealing with fractured relationships and other parts of our lives due to the impact of this time. 

Let’s Work Together: Canned Heat: 1970

“Let’s Work Together” winds up on a few playlists that come up when you search for songs about work. Most of these are rather long lists, full of songs that seem to have been added simply because they had the word “work” in them, rather than because they were actually about going to work for compensation that is much smaller than what would be expected. This appears to be the case with “Let’s Work Together,” as there is little in the lyrics to suggest that it is actually about working a job. 

It made this list anyway, because it does speak of every “boy, girl, woman, and a man” working together to lift each other up and “make someone happy,” bringing to mind not struggling to pay your bills and keep members of your household healthy and fed, but working together to help other people through these struggles. 

What It’s Like: Everlast: 1998

In verse one, a homeless person is judged for begging. The second verse tells the story of a young woman facing harassment while visiting a clinic to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. In the final verse, a young man who turned to drugs is killed, but the song turns its attention to the loss the family must feel after losing their loved one who made the wrong choice in a desperate situation. 

This one is dedicated to every lawmaker who signed that bill into law. Each verse addresses a situation someone struggling financially and/or socially might face, and the judgment of those who have never had to be in that situation. 

Downbound Train: Bruce Springsteen: 1984

Like “Fast Car,” this song tells the story of a character who lost a relationship due to the stress of economic hardship. Many of Springsteen’s songs address the struggles of working class and very poor people, making several eligible for this list. “Darlington County,” tells the story of two young men who ultimately wind up partying, picking up girls, and getting in trouble, but start out on a road trip looking for work. “The River” is about a young couple marrying because of an unplanned pregnancy and the poverty they face afterward. 

“Downbound Train” stands out among them as the music and vocals add a new level of despair to an already hopeless story. 

During this time, music can give us something to remind us that we are not alone. It can provide catharsis, hope, and sometimes just distraction. While these are all great songs that deal directly with the issues so many are facing and will continue to face over the coming years, any music that someone finds cathartic, uplifting, or encouraging can provide the same mental health benefits. 

Anyone facing a mental health emergency should not attempt to treat it themselves with music or any other at-home remedy, but should seek professional mental health services right away.