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Back when I had a job

They've got machines doing what I used to do,

making cars that no one can work on anymore,

This is still the land of the free, yea it's true,

but there's a number growing from shore to shore,

I ain't got no money mister, I ain't got no job.

I used to look down on people like me.

I don't have no fancy clothes and I'm looking like a slob,

but when I lost my job I lost some of my dignity,

So I will work for food, or you can give what you can,

but I'd rather work, 'cause I'm a man.

There's no more bass club, and I sure miss my friend Bob,

but that was back then,

back then when I had a job.

I've got a wife and two kids, and another on the way,

But the bankers never cry, if the mortgage you can't pay.

The Salvation Army might be the salvation of me,

I don't cry in front of the little ones, I don't want them to see.

            "Excuse me mister, I know it's late,

            but no one had work today and my kids just can't wait.

            I need some money just to keep 'em fed.

            No I can't pay you back, but if there's a God in heaven he will bless you

            so he said."

I ain't got no money mister, I ain't got no job.

Please don't look down on someone like me.

I'm not a wino even though I'm looking like a slob,

but when I lost my job I lost some of my dignity,

So I will work for food, or you can give what you can,

but I'd rather work, 'cause there's still pride in this man.

The tears don't pay no bills, but I still want to sob,

'cause I remember back then,

back then when I had a job.

"Thanks anyway mister."

©1992 David D. Vande Velde