Unemployment Stomp
(Big Bill Broonzy)

I'm a law abiding citizen, and my debts I sure will pay,
I'm a law abiding citizen, and my debts I sure will pay.
I hope war don't start and Uncle Sam have to send me away.

I haven't never been in jail, and I haven't never paid no fine, baby,
I wants a job to make my livin', cause stealin' ain't on my line.

I've knowed a time when I have raised my own meat and meal,
My meat was in my smokehouse, and my meal was in my field.

When Mr. Roosevelt sent out those unemployment cards,
I just knowed sure that work was goin'to start.

Broke up my home 'cause I didn't have no work to do,
My wife had to leave me' cause she was starvin' too.

From Hard Hitting Songs, Guthrie et al
Recorded by Big Bill Broonzy, Vocalion 04378
RG