Meaning of "M.T.A." by The Kingston Trio

The lyrics of "M.T.A." reflect a tale of injustice and the frustrations faced by ordinary citizens in the face of bureaucratic decisions. Through the story of Charlie, the song highlights the financial burden imposed on individuals by the subway fare increase. It emphasizes the powerlessness of the common people and their struggle to meet their basic needs, such as visiting family members. The song suggests that Charlie's fate represents the larger issues of social inequality and the inability of ordinary people to escape the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the lyrics call for collective action and political engagement to bring about change and restore justice. The mention of George O'Brien implies that he is a candidate who opposes the fare increase and represents a potential solution to the problem. Overall, "M.T.A." serves as a social commentary and a call to action for citizens to be aware of the decisions made by those in power and to advocate for their rights.