Ballad of Price Controls

They promised us a better way.

With prices fixed and rules to play.

They said the market's too wild and free

Could never bring us harmony.

But now the shelves are empty here.

We're promised more in a year.

The dreams they sold have turned to dust.

In planned economy we don't trust.

Price controls they tie our hands.

Definitionally a broken plan.

Makes a great campaign and votes gained.

But any help that's claimed comes with chains.

Minimum wage, they set it high.

Just a control on labor's price.

They said it's fair, they said it's right.

Now robots do those jobs at night.

No such thing as a price too steep.

It's just the market's call to meet.

The need that rises clear and loud.

Shortage signaled, solved by the crowd.

Price controls they bind our feet.

Eliminate the will to compete.

You say greed, I say supply.

Can't rely on altruism, guy.

If you ban prices rising high.

All it does is fuel the lie.

If goods are scarce the lines grow long.

Make markets bare, black markets strong.

Means stuff for me, but not for thee.

All the expertise of the DMV.

Send the signal and get the goods.

Don't need the state, don't need Tom Woods.

So let the markets lead again.

Prices show both what and when.

No feel-good fluff legislation.

We can't change nature with a pen.