Meaning of "The Lion's Share" by 10,000 Maniacs

The lyrics of "The Lion's Share" serve as a metaphor for societal inequalities and the exploitation of the weak by the powerful. The lion symbolizes those in positions of power who take advantage of their positions to accumulate wealth and resources at the expense of others. The repeated mention of the bare and cold lambs emphasizes the suffering of the vulnerable in this unfair system. The lines "Do we pay dearly for the lion takes so greedily / And he knows that what he's taken it is ours" highlight the injustice and selfishness of those who hoard resources without regard for the needs of others. However, the song also hints at the eventual downfall of the powerful lion, suggesting that when a stronger force challenges the status quo, the balance of power may shift. Ultimately, "The Lion's Share" calls attention to the consequences of greed, exploitation, and inequality in a society.