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Teotihuacan

“Teotihuacan” tells the story of Walmart’s successful and illegal efforts to erect a store near the famous Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan, and the effects of their efforts on the town.  In a country overrun with drug cartels, bribery can go a long way.

For more info on the background story, see this New York Times article.

Teotihuacan – what the heck is going on?
Teotihuacan – what on Earth is going on?

Last time I visited your famous pyramids
I was greeted by such friendly smiles on the faces of your kids
Now as I pull into town, I’m greeted by a sea of frowns
And traffic surrounding a great eyesore in the form of a Walmart store

So, Teotihuacan – what the heck is going on?
Teotihuacan – what on Earth is going on?

As I inquire as to what’s going on ’round here
I hear of tales of bribery, corruption and of fear
False surveys and altered maps and bribes to keep it all under wraps
A trail of bogus documents from every level of government

So… Teotihuacan – what the heck is going on?
Teotihuacan – what on Earth is going on?

Ain’t it nice when the mayor can afford a hilltop ranch?
On a civil servant’s salary of $47 grand?
And as he takes a leisurely hike, down below there’s hunger strikes
And in the market where tradition lives, a cold shoulder was all you could give

So… Teotihuacan – what the heck is going on?
Teotihuacan – what on Earth is going on?

As the backhoes and bulldozers broke into protected ground
The treasures of the Aztec world were waiting to be found
Just slide a nice thick envelope across a shiny desk
And petty laws and history are easy to forget
Yes, petty laws and history are easy to forget!

Teotihuacan, Teotihuacan, Teotihuacan, Te-te-teotihuacan

I guess it was easy enough to buy out Purificacion
When you got the funds to give them everything they want, so now you own
Why play by the laws and rules in a world full of suckers and fools
And people willing to make nice as long as you can meet their price?

Oh, Teotihuacan, Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, what on Earth is going on?

How much did you have to pay so many authorities?
The zoning and traffic bureaus and the institute of history
The cost of doing business with 250 customers per hour
May be the price of misery when you crave wealth and power
May be the price of misery when you crave wealth and power

Teotihuacan, Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, Te-te-teotihuacan!

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