The Ain't-Gonna-Do-What-You-Tell-Me-Blues

I'm telling you…
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
Since you went away
everything's been grey
but I ain't gonna do
what you say
just because you walk away

I told my momma…
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
Gotta be a man I said
make my own goddam bed
my own path gotta tread
what you say
ain't my way
momma hear the news

I told my boss…
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
suckin' up ain't my name
but I'm good just the same
you may have the might
but you ain't got the right
just because
you run the game

I told the politicians
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
if you deceive cheat and lie
I'll fight you till the day I die
you're a servant not a king
helping oughta be your thing
listen well
hear the people cry

I told God…
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
no one knows what you say
even those who kneel and pray
for myself I gotta choose
singin' to the free will blues
leavin' everything to you
doesn't work no way

I told the man in charge…
I got the
ain't-gonna-do-what-you-tell-me-blues
I am restless not content
gonna show intelligent dissent
you can't buy or steal my mind
try it and you will find
people crying no
rebels with intent

Zettel 2005