The song "Con-Lab-Lib" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a commentary on the political system and the cycle of promises and disappointments experienced by the working class. The title "Con-Lab-Lib" refers to the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal parties in the UK, representing different political ideologies. The lyrics describe the struggles of the narrator who works long hours but still struggles to make a decent living. The term "well I've been trying to make a living working eight hours a day, but despite the overtime what I take home is a disgrace" portrays the frustration of the narrator with their financial situation. The song criticizes politicians who come to the working class seeking support during elections but don't genuinely care about their welfare. The line "Still old con-lab-lib keeps coming round looking for support" suggests that politicians from all parties continue to make empty promises and seek votes without actually addressing the real issues faced by the working class. The narrator also expresses frustration at the privileged lifestyle of politicians while the working class struggles to meet their basic needs. The line "While he's out dining A La Carte, we're back to war like rationing parts" highlights the stark contrast between the extravagant lifestyles of politicians and the hardships faced by the ordinary people. The lyrics further criticize the dishonesty of politicians, with the line "I've never seen anybody that could lie with such ease, I call it second nature. He calls it his policies." This portrays a sense of disillusionment and distrust towards the political system and its representatives. Overall, "Con-Lab-Lib" serves as a critique of politicians who fail to address the real concerns of the working class and highlights the cycle of broken promises and disappointment experienced by ordinary people in the political process.
