Tune:  “Ornithology” by Charlie Parker

What a drag walkin’ the streets of the city!

Man, ain’t it a shame and a pity!

I know that I was wrong, but I did it.

I went and gave the boss a sock in the mouth.

I couldn’t control myself.

He terminated me so here I am—

Gone into the fire from the frying pan.

I’m broke and I’m out of work.

Tune:  “Nights in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie

I better go down to unemployment.  I better go stand in the line.

I better go down to the office and see if I can qualify.

Tune:  “Au Privave” by Charlie Parker

Waitin’ in lines, starin’ at signs,

Seems that I been runnin’ all around in circles, man,

Like a rat in a maze.

I’ve been runnin’ up and down all over,

Been at a hundred different desks.

My god!  This is a mess!

I’ve been drownin’ ina sea of papers and forms—

When were you born?

Got to see your driver’s license number, please.

And your Mom’s maiden name.

Then we’ll feed it into the computer.

Somebody help me find the door.

I can’t take it no more.

I got to split before I go insane.

Tune:  “Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker

Been poundin’ on the pavements to find a job,

Want a job, need a job.

I’m lookin’ all over town.

I’ll tell you it’s really getting’ me down.

I gotta find a little work.  

I’m not the kind to shirk, don’t mind a little dirt.

Want a job, need a job.

Collectin’ unemployment is getting’ old.

Welfare rolls take their tolls.

Somebody give me a chance.

I’ll prove to you that I’m good with my hands.

I’ll push a broom or drive a bus.

I’m not about to fuss.  My pocketbook is bust.

I can’t live on potatoes another week.

Things look bleak.

Need a job, buddy gimme a job!

New lyrics copyright by Paul McKenna 2015