Once, long ago there was a time in what now seems a distant land Each small boutique was precious and unique 'Cause every little thing was made by hand Then there came a revolution The progress of production was its aim Now instead of one, there are many And each costs just a penny But every single one looks just the same Now there's a Starbucks on every bloody corner McDonald's on everybody's street There's White Castle, Wendy's and Walmart And then it all repeats If you're the kind that looks down on the masses Even for your there's a feint Get some New Rocks or a pair of Docs Look just like those who ain't (Chorus) And that is how (Tell us how) It came to be (How can it be?) After two long centuries That in the name (What's in a name?) Of human greed The industrial revolution fixed everything for me And so now if one does well with a business They open two more and then three They buy in bulk in big massive hulks At which point it's nearly free As they grow bigger their prices get lower Until they become a chain The smaller stores all shutter their doors and buckle 'neath the strain (Chorus) And that is how (Tell us how) It came to be (How can it be?) After two long centuries That in the name (What's in a name?) Of human greed The industrial revolution fixed everything for everyone It came into our lives and gave us uniformity by taking choice away from you and me) (Chorus) And that is how (Tell us how) It came to be (How can it be?) After two long centuries That in the name (What's in a name?) Of human greed The industrial revolution fixed everything for every bloody one It came into our lives and gave us uniformity by taking choice away from you (Taking choice away from me!) Taking choice away from you and me Now the machines are working tirelessly Through all night and day Making garbage in our image For a world that's made our way And they won't stop until every inch From Peru to Bombay Looks like a mall in the US of A