Only An Expert Lyrics - Homeland - Laurie Anderson

Now only an expert can deal with the problem 

Because half the problem is seeing the problem 

And only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

So if theres no expert dealing with the problem 

Its really actually twice the problem 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Now in America we like solutions 

We like solutions to problems 

And theres so many companies that offer solutions 

Companies with names like Pet Solution 

The Hair Solution. The Debt Solution. The World Solution. The Sushi Solution. 

Companies with experts ready to solve the problems. 

Cause only an expert can see theres a problem 

And only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only and expert can deal with the problem 

Now lets say youre invited to be on Oprah 

And you dont have a problem 

But you want to go on the show, so you need a problem 

So you invent a problem 

But if youre not an expert in problems 

Youre probably not going to invent a very plausible problem 

And so youre probably going to get nailed 

Youre going to get exposed 

Youre going to have to bow down and apologize 

And beg for the publics forgiveness. 

Cause only an expert can see theres a problem 

And only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Now on these shows, the shows that try to solve your problems 

The big question is always How can I get control? 

How can I take control? 

But dont forget this is a question for the regular viewer 

The person whos barely getting by. 

The person whos watching shows about people with problems 

The person whos part of the 60% of the U.S. population 

1.3 weeks away, 1.3 pay checks away from homelessness. 

In other words, a person with problems. 

So when experts say, Lets get to the root of the problem 

Lets take control of the problem 

So if you take control of the problem you can solve the problem. 

Now often this doesnt work at all because the situation is completely out of control. 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

So who are these experts? 

Experts are usually self-appointed people or elected officials 

Or people skilled in sales techniques, trained or self-taught 

To focus on things that might be identified as problems. 

Now sometimes these things are not actually problems. 

But the expert is someone who studies the problem 

And tries to solve the problem. 

The expert is someone who carries malpractice insurance. 

Because often the solution becomes the problem. 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Now sometimes experts look for weapons. 

And sometimes they look everywhere for weapons. 

And sometimes when they dont find any weapons 

Sometimes other experts say, If you havent found any weapons 

It doesnt mean there are no weapons. 

And other experts looking for weapons find things like cleaning fluids. 

And refrigerator rods. And small magnets. And they say, 

These things may look like common objects to you 

But in our opinion, they could be weapons. 

Or they could be used to make weapons. 

Or they could be used to ship weapons. 

Or to store weapons. 

Cause only an expert can see they might be weapons 

And only an expert can see they might be problems. 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

And sometimes, if its really really really hot. 

And its July in January. 

And theres no more snow and huge waves are wiping out cities. 

And hurricanes are everywhere. 

And everyone knows its a problem. 

But if some of the experts say its no problem 

And other experts claim its no problem 

Or explain why its no problem 

Then its simply not a problem. 

But when an expert says its a problem 

And makes a movie and wins an Oscar about the problem 

Then all the other experts have to agree that it is most likely a problem. 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

And even though a county can invade another country. 

And flatten it. And ruin it. And create havoc and civil war in that other country 

If the experts say that its not a problem 

And everyone agrees that theyre experts good at seeing problems 

Then invading that country is simply not a problem. 

And if a country tortures people 

And holds citizens without cause or trial and sets up military tribunals 

This is also not a problem. 

Unless theres an expert who says its the beginning of a problem. 

Cause only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can see theres a problem 

And see the problem is half the problem 

And only an expert can deal with the problem 

Only an expert can deal with the problem