GBmCG
Oh I am just a student, sir, and only want to learn
BmCD
But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke of the books that you like to burn
GBmCG
So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow
CGDG
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 2]
GBmCG
Oh you've given me a number and you've taken off my name
BmCD
To get around this campus why you almost need a plane
GBmCG
And you're supporting Chang Kai-Shek, while I'm supporting Mao
CGDG
So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 3]
GBmCG
I wish that you'd make up your mind, I wish that you'd decide
BmCD
That I should live as freely as those who live outside
GBmCG
Cause we also are entitled to the rights to be endowed
CGDG
And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 4]
GBmCG
Ooh, you'd like to be my father you'd like to be my Dad
BmCD
And give me kisses when I'm good and spank me when I'm bad
GBmCG
But since I've left my parents I've forgotten how to bow
CGDG
So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 5]
GBmCG
And things they might be different if I was here alone
BmCD
But I've got a friend or two who no longer live at home
GBmCG
And we'll respect our elders just as long as they allow
CGDG
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 6]
GBmCG
I've read of other countries where the students take a stand
BmCD
Maybe even help to overthrow the leaders of the land
GBmCG
Now I wouldn't go so far to say we're also learnin' how
CGDG
But when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Verse 7]
GBmCG
So keep right on a-talkin' and tell us what to do
BmCD
If nobody listens my apologies to you
GBmCG
And I know that you were younger once 'cause you sure are older now
CGDG
And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now
[Outro]
GBmCG
Oh I am just a student sir, and only want to learn
BmCD
But it's hard to read through the risin' smoke from the books that you like to burn
GBmCG
So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow
CGDG
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now