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[Verse 1] |
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Oh, I am just a student, sir, and only want to learn |
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But it's hard to read through the rising smoke |
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From the books that you like to burn |
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So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow |
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That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 2] |
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Oh, you've given me a number and you've taken off my name |
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To get around this campus why you almost need a plane |
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And you're supporting Chiang Kai-Shek, while I'm supporting Mao |
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So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 3] |
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I wish that you'd make up your mind, I wish that you'd decide |
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That I should live as freely as those who live outside |
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'Cause we also are entitled to the rights to be endowed |
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And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 4] |
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Ooh, you'd like to be my father, you'd like to be my Dad |
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And give me kisses when I'm good and spank me when I'm bad |
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But since I left my parents I've forgotten how to bow |
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So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 5] |
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And things they might be different if I was here alone |
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But I've got a friend or two who no longer live at home |
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And we'll respect our elders just as long as they allow |
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That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 6] |
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I've read of other countries where the students take a stand |
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They've even helped to overthrow the leaders of the land |
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Now I wouldn't go so far to say we're also learning how |
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But when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 7] |
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So keep right on a-talking and tell us what to do |
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But if nobody listens my apologies to you |
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And I know that you were younger once |
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'Cause you sure are older now |
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And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |
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[Verse 8] |
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So I am just a student sir, and only want to learn |
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But it's hard to read through the rising smoke |
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From the books that you like to burn |
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So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow |
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That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now |