Oh I am just a student, sir
And only want to learn
But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke
Of the books that you like to burnSo I'd like to make a promise
And I'd like to make a vow
That when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowOh you've given me a number
And you've taken off my name
To get around this campus
Why, you almost need a planeAnd you're supporting Chang Kai-Shek
While I'm supporting Mao
So when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowI wish that you'd make up your mind
I wish that you'd decide
That I should live as freely
As those who live outsideCause we also are entitled
To the rights to be endowed
And when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowOoh, you'd like to be my father
You'd like to be my Dad
And give me kisses when I'm good
And spank me when I'm badBut since I've left my parents
I've forgotten how to bow
So when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowAnd things they might be different
If I was here alone
But I've got a friend or two
Who no longer live at homeAnd we'll respect our elders
Just as long as they allow
That when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowI've read of other countries
Where the students take a stand
Maybe even help to overthrow
The leaders of the landNow I wouldn't go so far to say
We're also learnin' how
But when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowSo keep right on a-talkin'
And tell us what to do
If nobody listens
My apologies to youAnd I know that you were younger once
'cause you sure are older now
And when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it nowSo I am just a student sir
And only want to learn
But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke
From the books that you like to burnSo I'd like to make a promise
And I'd like to make a vow
That when I've got something to say, sir
I'm gonna say it now
Songwriters
PHIL OCHSPublished by
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Song Discussions is protected by U.S. Patent 9401941. Other patents pending.