Looking so cool, his greed is hard to conceal, he's fresh out of law school, you gave him a license to steal.

The quote "Looking so cool, his greed is hard to conceal, he's fresh out of law school, you gave him a **license to steal" by Al Stewart offers a critique of a certain type of individual who uses their newfound power and position to exploit others. Stewart uses the imagery of a young lawyer, recently graduated from law school, who appears confident and polished ("cool") but is driven by greed. The line "you gave him a **license to steal" refers to the idea that society or the legal system has empowered him with the tools—both legal and societal—to take advantage of others, suggesting a critique of a system that allows unethical behavior under the guise of legitimacy.

The phrase "fresh out of law school" highlights the individual's newness to the professional world, emphasizing that despite his lack of experience, he has been granted a significant amount of authority. Stewart juxtaposes the idea of being "fresh" with the corruptive nature of greed and the potential for misuse of that power. This suggests that the system may reward appearance and credentials over true integrity, allowing individuals to manipulate the law to their own advantage.

The line about greed being "hard to conceal" suggests that, despite the individual's polished exterior, his true motivations are obvious. Stewart points out that appearances can only mask one's true intentions for so long, and that the system often lets such people thrive at the expense of others. The idea of being given a "license to steal" implies that the legal system, rather than deterring unethical behavior, sometimes enables it, thereby reinforcing societal inequalities and injustices.

Ultimately, the quote reflects Stewart's critical view of how power and credentials, particularly in the legal field, can be misused. It underscores the dangers of placing too much trust in appearances and institutional authority without questioning the moral implications of the systems that grant these powers. Through this commentary, Stewart raises concerns about the ethical responsibility that comes with professional success and the potential for abuse of power.