How Characters in The Decemberists’ Album ‘Picaresque’ Do Money
The Infanta: Daddy’s money, which he got through a combination of inherited wealth and taxation.
We Both Go Down Together: Daddy’s money.
Eli, the Barrow Boy: Ghosts don’t really “do money,” but before he died, Eli sold various objects out of a wheelbarrow. (Did he just throw the coal and the marigolds in there together? It doesn’t seem practical.)
The Sporting Life: Daddy’s money. Also, this song is clearly written from the perspective of a teenager who is drafting his “how I overcame a hardship” college application essay. He won’t get any scholarships for this one, and his father will still not be proud of him.
The Bagman’s Gambit: Government work. Not enough to afford Washington, DC rents, but enough to pay the occasional bribe.
From My Own True Love (Lost at Sea): This woman is stuck in a small town with no prospects, so… LuLaRoe, probably.
Sixteen Military Wives: Read Oonagh McQuarrie’s Billfold feature about being a military spouse.
The Engine Driver: This guy can’t hold down a job, so he decides to become a writer. Hope that works out for him.
On the Bus Mall: Sex work.
The Mariner’s Revenge Song: Janitor at a priory, then sailor. Currently has no need of money because his body is being digested by a whale.
Of Angels and Angles: These people are in the middle of drowning, okay? Leave them alone.
The Bandit Queen: Train robbery.
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