Why It Matters

What’s the deal with The Deal? We value good deals so much that we revere those who claim to be masters of The Deal. Getting something for nothing borders on obsession for some folks.

But nothing’s free, people. Those who love The Deal often forget (or don’t care) that everybody walks away from a good deal a little better off. You got most of what you wanted, I got most of what I wanted, everybody wins. We’re each able to go make more mutually beneficent deals.

But if The Deal means that you get everything and I get nothing, bad things happen. On a personal scale that might mean that I pay twice for one trampoline, but scale the problem up and we’re talking about all kinds of ugliness: bankruptcies, child labor, environmental and safety concerns, trade wars, damaged international relations, on and on.

So be fair when you’re dealing with people, please. Make sure there’s a little meat on the bone for everybody.

Anyway, deal songs:

“Deal Goin’ Down,” ZZ Top.

“Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal,” They Might Be Giants.

“Dirty Deal,” Iggy & The Stooges.

“Monty Got A Raw Deal,” R.E.M.

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” Kate Bush.

“No Deal,” Townes Van Zandt.

“Mr. Golden Deal,” Tonic.

“Deal With the Preacher,” Bad Company.

There you have it: Eight songs about The Deal. Do you want to throw so more into the negotiation? I’m listening.