I've been told how to keep my place
To build a house that suits my face
Now I've gotta move
And that is serous, kid.
I was given the tools to help in a trade
That I can't dig with a pick nor spade
And you know as well as I do
That makes no sense, kid.

Chorus:

I try to speak out or get spoken for.
And when I'm done, I'm gonna do it up some more.
It's a long road to
Where the old meets the new
And I ain't gonna live this way
I need the present
And I need the future, too.
And I ain't gonna live this way.

I've been far and I've been wide
And I've seen things from many sides.
And I walk the way
The paving stones are laid, kid.
And now and then I get these blues
Up and down these avenues.
But never so
It gets me afraid, kid.

[Chorus:]

I've had deals I've called my way
And I guess I've had the nerve to say
That there's rules for others
And other rules for me.
So when I'm down and feeling bad
And I've given up everything I've ever had
I'm gonna give up more
And give it up gladly, kid.

[Chorus:]