Yes, it’s good ol’ George Osborne of the 7 (or is it 8?) jobs. We pair this song with the Flanders and Swann standard the Gas Man Cometh, which speaks of an altogether different age of labour relations where every work man had just one job and – subject of course to Union rules and demarcations – tried to create work for his fellow artisans. But in our days of the gig economy, you might need 6 or 7 low-paying jobs just to keep the wolf from the door. As exemplified by our ex-chancellor.
‘Twas on a Monday morning, I called on my MP
In his plush wall-papered office in his Tatton constituency
He said “My name’s George Osborne, and I’d really love to chat
But there’s SO much Parliament business” – so that was the end of that
Oh it’s a tough tough life in the gig economy
‘Twas late on Tuesday evening, Newsnight was on the box
And there was Georgie Osborne, bless his little cotton socks.
He said “My Northern Powerhouse has really hit the heights
It takes up all my time, you know, just keeping on the lights”
Oh it’s a tough tough life in the gig economy
Then on Wednesday I was surfing on the Internet again
I chanced on a discussion with the Institute McCain
There was Senator McCain himself with a hearty “Well hello…
“Welcome Georgie Osborne – our new Kissinger Fellow”
Oh it’s a tough tough life in the gig economy
On Thursday morning came a call, from an investment company
They said “Blackrock Investments here – have you time to talk to me?”
I said “Who’s this I’m talking to – I think I know that voice”
He said “My name’s George Osborne – I’m paid for my advice”
Oh it’s a tough tough life in the gig economy
In Friday’s Evening Standard, I simply could not believe
George Osborne’s name cropped up once again – he’s Editor-in-Chief
Said I “These conflicts of interest are much too much for me
So the very first chance that I get, I’m seeing my MP”
Oh it’s a tough tough life in the gig economy
On Saturday and Sunday he lectures on austerity
So it was on a Monday morning that I called on my MP.